BusinessMirror February 11, 2023

‘RAMMED’!

Zambales fishermen face another formidable adversary in open sea

By Henry Empeño

On January 17, Tuesday, at high noon, local fishermen were busy baiting their fishing lines and hauling in their catch when disaster struck. A ship, which seemed to come from nowhere, headed directly for their payao, a floating fish aggregating device (FAD) that was anchored some 16 kilometers off the coast of this town.

“I tried to get the attention of two crewmen I saw on deck, but it seemed they couldn’t understand me,” recalled Ronald Balognapo, who was the first to see the impending crash.

Slamming his fists together, he tried to gesture that the ship was going to hit something—the payao floaters that also served as a buoy. “The crewmen went to the other side of the ship, and saw there were a lot of fishing boats there, but at that angle, the payao ahead wasn’t quite visible to them,” Balognapo recalled.

Jojo Pimentel, who joined other fishermen in making frantic gestures to the ship crew, said their signals apparently did not register. “We were using the covers of Styrofoam boxes to get noticed. We signaled them to go back. But the crewmen were just laughing and waving to us. Maybe they thought we were trying to sell them fish,” Pimentel said in frustration.

Meanwhile, the fishermen were already in a state of panic, Balognapo remembered. That payao, then heavily populated by fish of all kinds, has been scheduled for harvest just days away by a commercial fishing trawler equipped with a boom. Now all these could

“We will definitely back up our people in their quest for justice.”

be lost in a matter of minutes.

There were about 30 small boats fishing in the vicinity that day, most of them tied to the payao. These the ship’s crew could see. But only a small portion of the fish aggregating device—the floaters—showed on the surface of the water. The cluster of coconut leaves that attracted pelagic fishes like tuna, bonito and round scad (galunggong) was submerged, kept underwater by a sinker. And so was the rope that anchored the device to three concrete counterweights. The fishers said they kept on signaling for the ship to turn back, but these went unheeded. Finally, the ship sounded its horn with two blasts and sped forward. The weight of the ship then snapped the rope that kept the payao in place, the fishers said.

Danger zone

THE waters west of Zambales has always been a rich fishing ground

for local fishers. Fishing, which is traditionally a major occupation of residents here, has brought Masinloc menfolk as far as 120 nautical miles away to the disputed Scarborough Shoal, which this municipality had formally claimed.

According to the town’s agriculture office, about 4,000 of the town’s roughly 48,000 residents are involved in fishing, with up to 800 fishing boats registered in the municipality each year.

However, tension at the Scarborough Shoal, also known locally as Bajo de Masinloc, had been high since the April 2012 standoff, making fishing in the disputed area dangerous. Fishers reported being barred and sometimes attacked by Chinese militia boats that blockaded the shoal. This curtailed fishing in the open sea among local fisherfolk, thus adversely affecting their livelihood.

I n March 2013, a year after the Scarborough situation escalated, the Philippine government announced the nationwide deployment of payao devices to provide “more stable livelihood opportunities” for small fishermen operating within the country’s municipal waters.

Since fishes are known to con-

gregate naturally around floating objects that may serve as feeding place or refuge from predators, the use of payao improved fishing efficiency with increased catch and reduced time and cost—mainly fuel—in searching for fish.

The January 17 incident that destroyed a payao owned by Masinloc fishers, however, revealed another danger zone—dramatically defining another threat to the life and livelihood of small fishermen who fish in open waters.

And the ramming appeared to be intentional, the fishermen concluded in an interview with the BusinessMirror. “We signaled them to turn back, but they didn’t. Instead, they speeded up more,” they said. Damage done

LEONARDO CUARESMA , president of the New Masinloc Fishermen’s Association (NMFA), the group that owned the destroyed payao, said he immediately filed an incident report with authorities as soon as some fishers arrived from sea to tell him about the disaster.

The culprit, he said in an incident report dated January 18 and addressed to the officer in charge of the Coast Guard Substation in Masinloc, was HC Glory, a bulk carrier

operated by the Hong Kong Haichang Holdings Group Ltd.

The Hong Kong-flagged cargo ship was delivering coal to the Masinloc Coal-Fired Power Plant, and, as fishermen learned later on, it was just biding its time out in the

open sea, awaiting its schedule to unload its cargo, when the disaster happened.

This was not the first time that our payao was cut loose or destroyed,” Cuaresma lamented. Of

MASINLOC, Zambales—It’s another David versus Goliath situation that Zambales fishermen now find themselves in.

Zambales Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. BERNARD TESTA

FISHING boats lie idle at Sitio Quinabuangan in Masinloc, Zambales, after a cargo ship plowed through a payao that provided better catch for local fishers.

THE bulk carrier HC Glory was in Masinloc port to deliver a load of coal.

MASINLOC fishermen recall the ramming: “We signaled them to turn back, but they didn’t. Instead, they speeded up more.”

Earthquake stuns Syria’s Aleppo even after war’s horrors

By Bassem Mroue & Kareem Chehayeb The Associated Press

denominations in Aleppo, who was helping organize shelters.

For many, the earthquake was a new sort of terror—a shock even after what they endured during the war.

For Aleppo, the war was a long and brutal siege. Rebels captured the eastern part of the city in 2012, soon after Syria’s civil war began. For the next years, Russian-backed government forces battled to uproot them.

The natural disaster piled on many human-made ones, multiplying the suffering in Aleppo and Syria more broadly.

Fighting largely halted in Aleppo in 2016, but only a small number of the numerous damaged and destroyed buildings had been rebuilt. The population has also more recently struggled with Syria’s economic downslide, which has sent food prices soaring and residents thrown into poverty.

The shock of the quake is all too much.

Hovig Shehrian said that during the worst of the war in Aleppo, in 2014, he and his parents fled their home in a frontline area because of the shelling and sniper fire. For years, they moved from neighborhood to neighborhood to avoid the fighting.

It was part of our daily routine. Whenever we heard a sound, we left, we knew who to call and what to do,” the 24-year-old said.

“But … we didn’t know what to

do with the earthquake. I was worried we were going to die.”

Monday’s pre-dawn 7.8-magnitude quake, centered about 112 kilometers away in Turkey, jolted Aleppans awake and sent them fleeing into the street under a cold winter rain.

Dozens of buildings across the city collapsed. More than 360 people were killed in the city and hundreds of others were injured. Workers were still digging three days later through the rubble, looking for the dead and the survivors. Across southern Turkey and northern Syria, more than 11,000 were killed.

Even those whose buildings still stood remain afraid to return. Many are sheltering in schools.

A Maronite Christian monastery took in more than 800 people, particularly women, children and the elderly, crammed into every room.

Until now we are not sleeping in our homes. Some people are sleeping in their cars,” said Imad al-Khal, the secretary-general of Christian

Syrian and Russian airstrikes and shelling flattened entire blocks. Bodies were found in the river dividing the two parts of the city. On the government-held western side, residents faced regular mortar and rocket fire from opposition fighters.

A fi nal offensive led to months of urban fighting, finally ending in December 2016 with government victory. Opposition fighters and supporters were evacuated, and government control imposed over the entire city.

Activist groups estimate some 31,000 people were killed in the four years of fighting, and almost the entire population of the eastern sector was displaced. A leppo became a symbol of how President Bashar Assad succeeded in clawing back most opposition-held territory around Syria’s heartland with backing from Russia and Iran at the cost of horrific destruction.

The opposition holds a last, small enclave in the northwest, centered on Idlib province and parts of Aleppo province, which was also devastated by Monday’s quake.

But Aleppo never recovered.

Any reconstruction has been by individuals. The city’s current population remains well below its pre-2011 population of 4.5 million. Much of the eastern sector remains in ruins and empty. Buildings damaged during the war or built shoddily during the fighting regularly collapse. One collapse, on January 22, left 16 people dead. Another in September killed 11 people, including three children.

The ‘new’ Aleppo ALEPPO was once the industrial powerhouse of Syria, said Armenak Tokmajyan, a non-resident fellow at Carnegie Middle East who is originally from the city. Now, he said, it’s economically marginalized, basic infrastructure in gas and electricity is lacking, and its population—which had hoped for improvements after fighting ended—only saw things get worse.

They have also now experi-

enced the physical—and psychological—blow of the earthquake, Tokmajyan said. “It left them wondering, do they really deserve this fate or not? I think the trauma is big and it will take some time until they swallow this really bitter pill after [more than] 10 years of war.”

Rodin Allouch, an Aleppo native, covered the war for a Syrian TV station, narrated, “I used to be on the front line, getting video shots, getting scoops. I was never scared. Rockets and shells were falling and everything, but my morale was high,” he recalled.

The earthquake was different. “I don’t know what the earthquake did to us exactly. We felt we were going to join God. It was the first time in my life I got scared.”

During the war, he had to leave his neighborhood in the eastern sector and rent an apartment on the western side. But the quake has displaced him yet again.

As their building shook, he, his wife and four children fled to a nearby garden. Allouch said he won’t return until the building is inspected and repaired. It still stands, but has many cracks. The family will instead stay in a ground-floor store front nearby that he rented.

“It is safer to be down [on ground floor] if there is an earthquake,” he said, but complained that there is no fuel for heating. “Life is so miserable.”

Many others in Aleppo have been displaced more than once.

Farouk al-Abdullah fled his farm south of Aleppo city during the war. Since then, he has been living with his two wives, 11 children and 70-year-old mother in Jenderis, an opposition-held town in Aleppo province. Their building there collapsed completely in the earthquake, though the entire family was able to escape. He said the earthquake, with its destruction everywhere and its aftermath—watching rescue crews pull bodies out of the rubble—“are much more horrible than during the war.”

A nd while war may be senseless, those in it often have a cause they are sacrificing for and wrest some meaning out of the death and destruction.

The war’s devastation in Aleppo at least “is somehow a proof that we weren’t defeated easily,” said Wissam Zarqa, an opposition supporter from the city who was there throughout the siege and now lives in the Turkish capital Ankara. “But the destruction of natural disasters is all pain and nothing else but pain.”

discarded barrel.”

the five payao that the NMFA has installed in the West Philippine Sea this year, he said, this was already the fourth to suffer a similarly sad fate.

“In the first three instances, there was no one around to see how the payao were destroyed. But this time, a lot of NMFA members saw with their own eyes what happened,” he said.

Cu aresma said the group estimated total damage at P900,000: P150,000 for the destroyed payao device; P360,000 in unrealized income from the scheduled payao harvest; and P390,000 for income from hook-and-line fishing by the 36 NMFA members that was lost when their payao was destroyed.

He added that aside from the economic losses the fishermen suffered, the ramming had endangered their lives. “If they were not able to untie their boats from the payao fast enough, they could have been hit by the ship, too,” Cuaresma pointed out.

The fisherfolk leader also stressed that they were keen on making the most out of their payao project, which was funded through a P500,000 soft loan from the Office of the Vice President in April last year.

“ We have put a lot of effort into this project, a lot of hope, since this provides a lot of opportunity for better income among local fishers, and not just members of our association,” Cuaresma said.

He said they have paid back just P120,000 of the seed money and had expected more income from the next harvest, only to be frustrated by this unfortunate turn of events.

Defensive maneuvers

AFTER HC Glory docked in Masinloc on January 20 to unload its coal cargo, Cuaresma, with the assistance of the local Coast Guard and Philippine National Police Maritime Command, managed to get

hold of the ship’s agent to discuss the matter.

A meeting between the two parties was set up, but when it came, Cuaresma was not allowed into the ship by officials from the Bureau of Customs.

In the meeting, the ship master issued a declaration that did not entirely belie the story of the fishermen, but nevertheless denied the damage done.

We found a large number of fishing boats around our vessel at 1200H/17th/Jan/2023 at open seas about 8 miles distance of Masinloc port pilot station,” the ship master declared. “They waved their fish, asked if we wanted to buy their fish.”

About 10 minutes later, we spotted a fishing boat heading toward the port front of our ship and motioned for us to back up. At the same time, we found a barrel floating near the fishing boat, which we judged to be a fishing float based on their hand signals. We set the ship back at once.”

“As there were also a large number of fishing boats astern of our vessel, we were worried that going backwards would cause a collision with other fishing boats. So, we stopped and sounded the whistle, and the fishing boat on our right gave way and we left the float from the right front. As we were about to cross the float, we stopped the main engine to avoid damaging the rope underneath.”

The ship captain’s statement went on to say that after leaving the area, the ship waited 0.2 nautical miles in front of the fishing boat for minutes. “When no fishing boat came, we sailed on for 2 nautical miles and continued to drift,” he added.

Th e statement went on to say that the payao was hardly noticeable to the ship. “The buoy is too small to be seen at night, too small to be scanned by radar, and to be seen very close even in daylight,” it said, adding that the fishing float “looks like an empty,

Throughout, we did not find that we had damaged it, and we saw through our binoculars that the rope under the float had been under stress and judged it to be in good condition,” the ship master concluded.

David vs. Goliath

AS of now, the local fishermen are asking concerned government agencies for assistance in seeking settlement for the damages incurred, especially since HC Glory has since left port after completing delivery of its coal cargo in Masinloc.

“

We really need help from the government so we could get some kind of settlement from the management of HC Glory,” Cuaresma said.

This is difficult for us. We are contending with a giant,” he added.

The good news is that the fishermen won’t be alone in their fight. In a statement, the Zambales provincial government said it has taken up the cudgels for the local fishermen.

We will definitely back up our people in their quest for justice,” said Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. “I have already instructed our legal team to represent the fishermen, and the matter has also been referred to the agriculture and legal committees of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to see what further assistance we can render,” he added.

Ebdane noted that aside from claims on destroyed property and income losses, the incident also highlighted the need for safety measures for local fishermen looking for livelihood in the open sea.

“ There have been several reports of incidents like this, only undocumented. So, we have a lot to learn and assess and evaluate from this incident,” Ebdane said.

“The payao project in this case has also been funded by a government loan, so we are taking a special interest in this,” he added.

BEIRUT—For years, the people of Aleppo bore the brunt of bombardment and fighting when their city, once Syria’s largest and most cosmopolitan, was among the civil war’s fiercest battle zones. Even that didn’t prepare them for the new devastation and terror wreaked by this week’s earthquake.

RESCUE teams carry the body of a victim from a destroyed building after a devastating earthquake rocked Syria and Turkey, in Aleppo, Syria, Tuesday, February 7, 2023. AP

News BusinessMirror

MERALCO SLIGHTLY LOWERS ELECTRICITY RATES IN FEB

THE Manila Electric Company (Meralco) will slash power rates this month due to lower generation and transmission charges.

In a media briefing Friday, Meralco spokesperson Joe Zaldarriaga said the distribution utility firm will reduce power rates by P0.0106 per kilowatt hour (kWh).

Power rates in February will be at P10.8895 per kWh from P10.9001 per kWh in the previous month, he said.

The adjustment will reflect a P2 reduction in electricity bills for households consuming 200 kWh.

Zaldarriaga said power generation cost declined by P0.2137 to P6.9154 from P7.1291 per kWh due to lower prices in the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) and independent power producers (IPPs), where Meralco sourced the power requirements of its customers.

Lower generation costs from WESM and IPPs have offset the higher charges from power supply agreements.

“The continued appreciation of Philippine peso, which affects 95 percent of IPP cost, which are dollar denominated contributed to the reduction,” he said.

He added Meralco sources 47 percent of power from PSAs, 37 percent from IPPs and 16 percent from WESM this month.

Zaldarriaga said Meralco is still implementing distribution-related refund equivalent to P0.8656 per kWh for residential customers, which tempers this month’s power rates.

Meralco will continue to roll out this refund until May 2023.

Despite the maintenance shutdown of the Malampaya gas field from Feb. 4 to 18, Zaldarriaga said power supply remains sufficient and will not impact electricity rates this month.

However, the impacts of the Malampaya shutdown can be felt by customers next month, along with the expected increase in power rates as dry season usually kicks off in March. PNA

Boy band member is new ‘Tourism Ambassador’ for Philippines in Japan

By Ma. Stella F. Arnaldo Special to the BusinessMirror

THE Department of Tourism (DOT) has chosen Filipino-Japanese celebrity Alan Shirahama as the brand new “Tourism Ambassador” for the Philippines.

A member of the popular boy band Exile, which has sold more than 24 million records in Japan alone, Shiharama has also starred in movies such as Daytime Shooting Star, Prince of Legend and One in a Hundred Thousand, according to the DOT in a news statement. Shirahama received a certificate indicating his new job of encouraging more Japanese travelers to visit the Philippines from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco, who are in Japan with other state officials for a series of meetings with Japanese government officials, tourism stakeholders, as well as business executives and investors.

BBM appeals for lifting of travel advisories

THIS developed as the President on Thursday lobbied for the “lifting or limiting” of Tokyo’s travel advisories against select Philippine destinations, in a bid to revive the pandemichit tourism industry. He made this statement during a roundtable meeting with Japanese tourism stakeholders.

“The Philippines and Japan has so much in the pipeline on what we can share and learn with each other. But first and foremost, we note that in order for us to further deepen our nation’s mutual friendship and interest, we must first be open to each other’s people. With this, we are working on lobbying to the Japanese government for the lifting or limiting of its travel advisory against the Philippines’ key travel destinations,’” said Marcos.

According to a travel advisory dated November 1, 2019, Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) warned its nationals to “avoid all travel regardless of purposes” (Level 3) to Zamboanga del Sur and del Norte, Zamboanga Sibugay, Zamboanga City, Misamis Occidental, Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Cotabato, Maguindanao, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, Basilan Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi, with an alert to the possibility of being evacuated. Earlier that year, two bombs were set off at a Catholic Church in Jolo, which were attributed to the Abu Sayyaf, and later in the year, the area was rocked by a series of earthquakes.

It also warned its citizens to “avoid non-

Saturday, February 11, 2023

www.businessmirror.com.ph • Editor: Vittorio V. Vitug A3

PHL, Japan ink 35 investment deals; PBBM bares launch of ‘green lane’ for investors

By Samuel P. Medenilla

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Friday said government will establish a “green lane” to draw in more “strategic investments” from Japanese and other foreign businesses in the country.

“ We are mandating involved government agencies to establish a green lane. The lane will streamline the processing of permits and licenses,” Marcos said “ This will also offer a single point of entry for strategic investments,” he added.

Under the scheme a maximum of three working days will be imposed for simple transactions and 20 working days for highly technical transactions in line with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business Law. It is also expected to reduce transaction costs in aspects of doing business in the Philippines.

The green lane, the President said, will complement the government’s existing economic liberalization laws and strategic reforms, including the Retail Liberalization Act, the Public Services Act, the Foreign Investments Act, and the provisions of the Corporate Recovery and Tax Incentives for Enterprises Act.

35 Letters of Intent/Agreements

MARCOS made the announcement during his speech for the signing of 35 Letters of Intent/ Agreements with the Japanese government and businesses in Tokyo on Friday covering manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy, transportation, healthcare, renewable energy and business expansion.

Among the deals tha t were signed were for wiring harness manufacturing expansion project with Asti Corporation; a printer manufacturing expansion project with Brother Industries, Ltd.; a hotel construction

project with DoubleDragon Corporation/ IwataChizaki Inc.; and a factory expansion project with Japan Tobacco Inc. Also included in the list are a new factory for automotive parts with Kurabe Industrial Co, Ltd.; energy, transportation, healthcare and afforestation projects with Marubeni Corporation; and automobile manufacturing expansion project and a commitment renewal to meet production targets with Mitsubishi Motors Corporation.

“It is our hope that companies such as yours will not only find the Philippines to be an attractive investment destination, we are designing our efforts to encourage you to stay and find our country to be a place where your businesses will thrive,” the President said addressing the representatives of the said firms in the signing ceremony.

T he signing event was also witnessed by other members of the Philippine delegates,

including former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Senate President Juan Miguel F. Zubiri, House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez, Special Assistant to the President Secretary Antonio Ernesto F. Lagdameo, Trade Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual, and Finance Secretary Benjamin E. Diokno.

A total of 114 businessmen joined the Philippine delegation, which accompanied Marcos in his ongoing official visit in Japan that will end on Sunday.

The President said he hopes their trip to Japan will allow local businesses to adopt the best practices from their Japanese counterparts. “ On top of forging new connections in business, our delegates are also here on a mission to listen, to observe, to learn and then act on opportunities and new knowledge,” Marcos said during the high-power luncheon and networking event organized by Japanese business organizations.

BSP letter confirms Soleil Bank affiliate disowned guarantee for POGO auditor

By Butch Fernandez

THE central bank has alerted a Senate panel that a certification presented by the third-party auditor that is now subject of an internal review by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) has been disowned by the issuing bank, prompting Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian to label it as outright “spurious,” possibly the subject of the next hearing.

An affiliate of Soleil Chartered Bank disowned any bank certification issued in favor of third party auditor Global ComRCI contracted by Pagcor’s former management for Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs). In a statement last February 1, Pagcor said it initiated a review last September of all contracts made earlier, and would not hesitate to sanction involved parties if wrongdoing is confirmed.

submitted by its third-party auditor, Global ComRCI. Should Pagcor be able to prove that the documents submitted were spurious, it will immediately take legal action and cancel the contract of its third-party auditor, if found warranted.”

Pagcor said it “would like to thank Senator Sherwin Gatchalian for shedding light on this issue during the Senate investigation on January 23, 2023.

essential travel” (Level 2) to Southern Palawan and all other areas of Mindanao except those listed above, while the rest of the Philippines is under a Level 1 travel alerts, warning Japanese citizens to “exercise caution.”This was followed by another alert in 2021, warning Japanese citizens anew of possible terrorist attacks including suicide bombings in the Philippines and five other countries.

16K Japanese live in the PHL

THE President stressed that the Philippines “is open and ready to welcome more Japanese into our shores.” Prior to the pandemic, arrivals from Japan reached 682,788, placing the market as the fourth largest in 2019. In 2022, the Philippines received 99,557 tourists from Japan.

During the meeting, Frasco elaborated on her agency’s efforts to increase the market share of Japanese tourists, which include the development of the retirement and long stay programs. According to MOFA, there were close to 16,000 Japanese nationals residing in the Philippines as of December 2021.

“The Philippines is also a popular retirement destination for the Japanese. And as a first step leading towards that retirement decision, long-stay programs to the Philippines are continuously being pushed,” the tourism chief said. According to the Long Stay Foundation, the Philippines is the fourth biggest destination for long staying foreign nationals. The Philippine Retirement Authority, an attached agency of the DOT, also reported Japan as the sixth biggest retirement market for the Philippines.

The President also identified education tourism as an area where ties between the Philippines and Japan be further strengthened.

“Filipinos have a fluency in English that is recognized to be one of our main leverages, one of our main selling points in terms of the education tourism. It makes it easy for us to work and communicate in other countries. And where else can you better learn English than in the Philippines?”

At the roundtable with Japanese tourism stakeholders were representatives of the Asean-Japan Centre, Association for English Studies in the Philippines, Japan Association of Overseas Studies, Japan Association of Travel Agents, Japan National Tourism Organization, Japan Philippines Tourism Council, and Marine Creative (Marine Driving Fair Organizer), and MICE Japan Magazine. Also in attendance were representatives from Air Asia, ANA Air, Cebu Pacific, Japan Airlines, Jetstar-Japan, and Philippine Airlines.

Pagcor’s statement said the gaming regulator thanked Gatchalian, chairman of the Ways and Means panel probing POGOrelated issues, for flagging the questionable documents submitted by its third-party auditor, Global ComRCI consortium.The latter forged a P6-billion contract with the previous Pagcor management and, based on discussions in the last hearing, the focus will now shift to the third-party auditor.

On Friday, Gatchalian revealed that Bangko Central Governor Felipe Medalla, in a letter to him, reported receiving a statement by Soleil Capitale’s Chief Executive Officer Raj C. Astavakra, that the company’s affiliate Soleil Chartered Bank is based abroad and does not operate within the Philippines. Thus, it would not issue any such certification. The BSP was told that Soleil Capitale has no record of such document or any correspondence with regard to the certification and that Astavakra is not aware of the bank certification.

Moreover, Medalla said Soleil Chartered does not have a pending application for a banking license with the BSP and that it did not receive nor process any banking application from the said entity based on BSP’s records reckoning from 2014, according to Gatchalian.

Gatchalian pointed out that “only those authorized by the BSP to operate as a bank may issue a letter of credit or certification as per Medalla.”

He recalled that Global ComRCI consortium entered into a 10-year, P6 billion contract with Pagcor to conduct an independent audit of POGO’s gross gaming revenues. During the last Senate hearing, Pagcor presented a bank guarantee purportedly issued by Soleil to Global ComRCI in the amount of $25 million, noting that under Pagcor’s Terms of Reference (TOR), an entity needs to meet the P1-billion requirement to be qualified as a third-party auditor.

In its statement last February 1, however, Pagcor said it had learned through a news report that Soleil Chartered Bank issued a statement denying the issuance of a bank certification to Global ComRCI.

“In relation to this report, Pagcor would like to reiterate that since the assumption of its new management in August 2022, all contracts—including that of Global ComRCI— were put under review last September 2022,” the statement read.

Pagcor added that its “new management is revalidating the veracity of the documents

The state-run gaming firm reassured the public that it is conscientiously looking into the matter and will take the necessary actions to safeguard public interest. Further, Pagcor said it upholds strict adherence of its offshore licensed operators and accredited service providers to whatever laws, which may be applicable to them.

Meanwhile, Gatchalian recalled that also mentioned in the BSP bletter are “other

discrepancies” in the bank certification such as the bank logo used in the document. At the same time, the senator stressed that “it can be deduced clearly from the BSP letter that Global ComRCI submitted a spurious bank certificate to Pagcor” adding that “this brings to question not just the legitimacy of the contract but also the credibility of Global ComRCI to conduct a 3rd-party audit of POGO gaming revenues.”

FILIPINO-JAPANESE performer Alan Shirahama was chosen by the Department of Tourism as its new Tourism Ambassador to encourage more Japanese travelers to the Philippines. PHOTO COURTESY OF DOT

ACONSUMER group said the government should focus its efforts in curbing the smuggling of agricultural food products and stop using the rising food prices to include tobacco among agricultural commodities covered by Republic Act 10845 or the “Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act of 2016.”

Malayang Konsumer spokesperson Atty. Simoun Salinas said, “Given the rising prices of pantry basics like onions, the Marcos administration is correct in taking steps to curb agri smuggling, but for some reason some of our legislators would rather champion tobacco and cigarettes.”

“Food security ang isyu. Pagkain para sa Pilipino ang prayoridad. Ito ang dapat na tutukan natin. Hindi yosi,” he said in a statement.

The group drew attention to Senate Bill 1812, sponsored by Senator Lito Lapid that seeks to amend RA 10845 and include both unprocessed and processed tobacco products, such as cigarettes in the same category as rice, sugar, vegetables, meat and other essential food products entitled to protection against smuggling.

RA 10845 classifies large-scale smuggling of these core household items as “economic sabotage.”

Salinas questioned the proposed objective to give special favors to the tobacco industry, whose primary product is cigarette, which causes addiction and serious health problems

“Why give special treatment to tobacco products, and why now? Bakit sinasakyan ang isyu ng smuggling of agri products para maisingit ang tobacco?” he asked.

“Poprotektahan mo ang industriyang tabako at sigarilyo? E bisyo yan, masama sa kalusugan yan, lalo na sa kabataan,” Salinas added.

RA 10845 has received renewed attention in light of recent shortages of onions and essential food products as well as spikes in the price of indispensable food items ranging from meat, poultry and fish.

The agricultural products enumerated in the Anti-Smuggling law that need protection are “sugar, corn, pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish, and cruciferous vegetables, in its raw state, or which have undergone the simple processes of preparation or preservation for the market.”

The penalty for economic sabotage and large-scale agri smuggling under RA 10845 is a maximum of 20 years imprisonment and a fine twice the fair value of the smuggled product.

Malayang Konsyumer convenor Christian Real, for his part, stressed that “we don’t need to amend the law to give special treatment to tobacco, to give it priority like the food items we consume everyday.”

“What we need is better enforcement, a more focused and sustained anti-smuggling campaign, from the Bureau of Customs and the DA (Department of Agriculture) to combat agri smuggling to ensure supply and stabilize prices,” Real pointed out.

“That way, we send a strong message to the public that we have our priorities straight. Dapat nga bawasan o pagbawalan mismo ng gobyerno ang paggamit ng mga tobacco products, hindi protektahan.” Jonathan L. Mayuga

Philippines, Japan agree to boost defense ties amid China concerns

TOKYO—The leaders of Japan and the Philippines agreed Thursday to sharply boost their defense ties, allowing Japanese troops greater access to Philippine territory, as tensions rise in Asia amid China’s growing influence.

Philippine President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is visiting Japan shortly after he and US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reached an agreement on allowing the United States more access to Philippine military bases to keep China’s territorial ambitions in check.

The defense arrangement signed by Marcos and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida will allow Japanese troops to join training exercises to respond to natural disasters and humanitarian needs in the Philippines. The agreement is seen as a step toward broader military cooperation and could lead to similar agreements between Japan and other Southeast Asian nations.

Kishida said the two countries will continue talks to further strengthen and streamline their militaries’ joint exercises and other operations, while seeking to expand the transfer of Japanese defense equipment and technology to the Philippines and strengthen cooperation trilaterally with the United States.

“After our meeting, I can confidently say that our strategic partnership is stronger than ever as we navigate together the rough waters buffeting our region,” Marcos said at a joint news conference with Kishida. “The future of our relationship remains full of promise as we continue to deepen and expand our engagements across a wide range of mutually beneficial cooperation.”

The new defense agreement allows Japan to deploy its forces for humanitarian missions and disaster response in the Philippines,

an arrangement Japan hopes to eventually upgrade to include joint military training, cooperation and mutual visits, Japanese officials said.

The two leaders “resolved” to increase the defense capabilities of their own countries and strengthen overall security cooperation with reciprocal port calls and aircraft visits and the transfer of more defense equipment and technology, according to a joint statement released later Thursday. It said Japan will transfer air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines and provide related personnel training.

They “expressed serious concerns about the situation in the East and China Seas and strongly opposed the actions, including force or coercion that may increase tensions,” the statement read.

Kishida and Marcos also agreed to strengthen cyber and economic security. They also confirmed Japan’s continuing assistance to the Philippine Coast Guard in reinforcing its capabilities, including the improvement of port facilities at Subic Bay, a former US naval base.

Last year, the two island nations held their first four-way security talks among their defense and foreign ministers and agreed to strengthen their defense ties.

Kishida’s government in December adopted key security and defense upgrades, including a counterstrike capability that breaks from Japan’s post-World War II principle of selfdefense only, while also doubling defense spending in five years.

Under the new strategy, Japan will also use development assistance to support poorer nations as they strengthen their maritime safety and other security capabilities. It’s meant to counter China’s growing regional influence.

“President Marcos’s visit here gives us impetus for Japan and the Philippines to further elevate our cooperation in recent years to even higher levels as we contribute to the peace and stability of the region and the international community,” Kishida said at the news conference.

Kishida announced 600 billion yen ($4.6 billion) in economic assistance from the public and private sector for the Philippines through March 2024, primarily to improve infrastructure, such as construction of a commuter railway, and disaster response.

The two sides also signed an agreement to work together in information and communication technology and to cooperate in energy security and industrial development.

“When you think about the stability in the region and sea lanes and deterrence of China’s maritime assertiveness, deepening cooperation with the Philippines is crucial for the security of Japan and the United States,” said Heigo Sato, a Takushoku University professor and expert on defense and security.

“Having access to bases in the Philippines would expand strategic options for the JapanUS alliance” in case of an emergency involving Taiwan and China, he said.

Japan has been expanding its military cooperation in recent years beyond its main ally, the United States, forging close ties with Australia and other countries in the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

Marcos met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako ahead of his talks with Kishida and invited the imperial couple to visit the Philippines. He said he plans to join talks with trade and business officials from the two sides before returning home on Sunday. AP

CDC posts P3.56-B revenue in 2022

CLARK FREEPORT—Clark Development Corporation (CDC) posted significant gains for revenues and net income in 2022, further highlighting the state-owned firm’s post-pandemic recovery.

A ccording to CDC Assistant Vice President for Finance Alizaido F. Paras, the unaudited financial statement as of December 31, 2022 show a revenue of P3.56 billion for the year, up by 35-percent from 2021 which stood at P2.63 billion.

It is by far the highest recorded increase in revenue that usually averages 8 percent to 9-percent annually.

The data also shows a net income of P2.19 billion for CDC, which is 68 percent higher compared to 2021 actual of P1.30 billion.

Paras said the gains can be attributed to CDC’s prudent financial management and locators’ confidence on its leadership to lead the Freeport through the turmoil of the pandemic. This has resulted in the generation of new investors, renewals of lease agreements, expansions, and even innovations in business models to cope with the changing times.

There has been an upswing in employment post-pandemic in the Clark Freeport Zone. After successive increases since 2020, it now hosts 127,074 employees spread out among 1,096 locators as of December 31, 2022.

While there were 21 less locators compared to 2021 due to varying factors (non-operational, renewal, pre-termination), the new locators with bigger committed investments and

expansions by existing locators contributed to CDC’s increase in revenues and net income. Of the 21 locators who left, two ceased operations during the pandemic; 13 did not renew and 6 pre-terminated their contracts.

T he financial developments were foreshadowed by no less than CDC President and CEO Atty. Agnes VST Devanadera who, upon taking the stewardship of CDC declared, “We will look forward to the shiniest sunshine during my incumbency as president and CEO of Clark Development Corporation.”

Devanadera indicated that CDC will focus on improving the ease of doing business in the Freeport to retain the existing investors and attract more branded industries and investments.

PMFTC Inc., the local affiliate of Philip Morris International (PMI), was recently recertified as a Top Employer in the Philippines for the fourth year in a row in recognition of the company’s excellence in human resources and talent management.

“To be recognized as the Top Employer for four years now is no small accomplishment and one that we take to heart. It is an incredible testament to PMFTC’s long-term dedication to embedding inclusion in our company policies and nurturing an engaging working environment where our employees can bring their best selves to work,” said PMFTC Director of People and Culture Andreea Chiriac.

The Top Employer Certification process demonstrates to independent auditors a company’s commitment to excellent human resource (HR) processes, equity, diversity and inclusion through employee interviews, surveys and documented evidence.

“We continue to invest in our talent and foster a culture of positivity. This for us is the workplace of tomorrow—one that celebrates our differences, focuses on mental and physical wellbeing, meets the needs of globally-diverse workforce and optimizes new technologies to enable our workforce to act and lead with purpose,” Chiriac added.

“

We are humbled and grateful to again receive this recognition as an employer of choice. When we committed to our vision of a smoke-free future, that led us down an exciting journey of not only innovating our products to help the millions of adult Filipino smokers who would otherwise continue to smoke, but to also transform our organization, our people and our culture. Our people have been instrumental in this journey to achieve our vision. This certification recognizes the progress we’re making as part of our transformation,” said PMFTC Communications Director Dave Gomez.

The Top Employer certification is the result of an independent assessment by the Top Employers Institute, which has recognized PMFTC’s parent company, PMI, as a Global Top Employer for the seventh consecutive year. PMI’s affiliates were also recognized as leading employers in 33 countries across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia/Pacific. For thirty years, Top Employers Institute has been the global authority on recognizing excellence in people practices. The institute helps accelerate these practices to enrich the world of work. Participating companies can be validated, certified, and recognized as an employer of choice through the Top Employers Institute certification program. Top Employers Institute has certified 2,053 organizations in 121 countries/regions. These certified Top Employers positively impact the lives of over 9 million employees globally.

PMFTC recognized anew as top employer in PHL

Govt told: Prioritize drive vs food smuggling, not on tobacco products

Sen. Gatchalian moves to fast track, increase benefits for centenarians

By Butch Fernandez @butchfBM

Batting for senior citizens’ expanded benefits at a public hearing on proposed amendments to the Centenarians Act of 2016 (Republic Act No. 10868), Gatchalian shared the experience of a centenarian constituent who applied for the P100,000 cash gift in 2021, reminding that “the law awards a letter of felicitation from the President and a P100,000 cash gift to Filipinos who reach the age of 100.”

Gatchalian noted, however, that the constituent has “yet to receive the cash gift and is being required to submit school records.”

The senator added: “Based on the information that I received from a constituent, there are also issues on the distribution of cash gifts.

Nagulat ako na isa sa mga requirements ay school records. Paano na-

man makukuha pa ng 100-year-old ang school records niya? Kung hindi nasunog ay baka nabaha na.”

T he senator recalled that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) vowed to look into the incident and maintained that the only requirements for the centenarians are a birth certificate or affidavit from the centenarian. An affidavit from the beneficiary’s eldest child can also be accepted, he added.

“ We also need to resolve the distribution problems, both in terms of efficiency and practicality because we are talking about people who have reached 100 years old.

Marami sa kanila baka bedridden na rin at hindi na masyadong makagalaw-galaw. May mga requirements na hindi na praktikal tulad ng school records,” added Gatchalian, author

of Senate Bill No. 824 that seeks to expand the coverage of the Centenarians Act of 2016.

As provided in Gatchalian’s bill, the measure seeks to award a cash gift of P10,000 to Filipinos who reach the age of 80, and another P10,000 when they reach 90 years old.

The lawmaker's enabling bill also seeks to adjust these amounts annually for inflation. Under his proposed measure, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will adjust these amounts in consultation with the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) based on the average annual inflation in the preceding three years.

Moreover, he noted that out of 2,465 centenarians, the DSWD was able to serve 1,692 centenarians last year. The funding for 755 more has been included in the 2023 national budget. The amount of P254.1 million was allotted this year for the implementation of the Centenarians’ Act of 2016.

According to the DSWD's list of senior citizens, there are 17,742 Filipinos who are 90 years old and above as of 2017.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Statistics Authority projected that the number of Filipinos who are 80 years old and above could reach 1,138,400 in 2025.

Two factors cited why a new Alzheimer’s drug is having a slow US debut

By Tom Murphy AP Health Writer

THE first drug to show that it slows Alzheimer’s is on sale, but treatment for most patients is still several months away.

Two big factors behind the slow debut, experts say, are scant insurance coverage and a long setup time needed by many health systems. Patients who surmount those challenges will step to the head of the line for a drug that delivers an uncertain benefit. Here’s a closer look.

The situation

THE US Food and Drug Administration approved Leqembi, from Japanese drugmaker Eisai, in early January. It’s for patients with mild or early cases of dementia tied to

Alzheimer’s disease. Regulators used the FDA’s accelerated pathway, which allows drugs to launch before they’re confirmed to benefit patients. In studies, Leqembi modestly slowed the fatal disease, but doctors aren’t sure yet how that translates into things like greater independence for patients.

Patients get the drug by IV every two weeks. Eisai says the company has shipped Leqembi to US specialty drug distribution centers. From there, it can be delivered overnight to hospitals or medical centers.

Eisai spokeswoman Libby Holman said prescriptions for the drug have been written, and they expect patients to start receiving it “very soon.”

Cost and coverage

A YEAR’S treatment will run about

My old friend, the pencil

By Nick Tayag

MY SIXTY-ZEN’S WORTH

IN my previous article, I wrote about friends, objects, practices, and trends that have become part of the past as well as predictions that failed to happen. In other words, they did not age well, as the buzz phrase goes.

R ight beside me is an object that seems destined not to age well too.

guess it’s at least 20 years since I last used a pencil to write an article, a story or a poem. I have found no need to use a pencil and a piece of paper the day I learned how to write on the computer and the smartphone. When I want to jot down something, I just use the Notes or MS Word application, which I can do even if the lights are out.

It wasn’t like that before. In my school days, the pencil was one of the most valuable possessions in my bag.

I had a Mongol pencil. In the Philippines, there’s no one who hasn’t ever used a Mongol pencil in grade school. I still have two of them now, even if hardly used.

I’m talking about my old writing buddy, the pencil. I have at least three of them in my pencil holder, all within easy reach, well sharpened, in case I need to use them.

But alas for many years now, I haven’t really touched any of them. I

I once had a classmate who chewed on his pencil as a compulsive habit. It seemed like he was able to absorb the lessons better when he gnawed on a pencil. Funny thing is he had better grades than me. Maybe I should have chewed on my Mongol too?

T he pencil helped bring out the

$26,500. Patients who can afford that without insurance will be able to start the treatment if they are deemed a candidate for Leqembi and they find a doctor and health care system prepared to help them.

T here are currently few options outside self-pay. Most of the patients who may be candidates for this drug are on Medicare, and the federal program’s coverage is narrow so far. It has said it will cover treatments like Leqembi only for patients enrolled in certain research trials designed to test the drug.

T here are no such studies currently accepting new patients.

“ There’s a theoretical door [to coverage] that’s completely slammed shut,” said Robert Egge, chief public policy officer for the nonprofit Alzheimer’s Association.

inchoate desire to express myself through words when I began to put down sophomoric scribblings on unused notebooks. I also did a lot of drawings with a pencil.

But I also found out that the pencil has a dangerous side. One of my grade school mates stabbed the back of another schoolmate in a fight. Shocking for me, then. But just a few days ago, I watched a clip about a 7-year-old student in the US who is facing assault charges after police say he stabbed a classmate with a pencil. I also read something similar that happened in Japan, of all places. Is pencil stabbing now prevalent in schools around the world?

The modern pencil goes back many centuries to an ancient Roman writing instrument called a stylus. Made of metal, the stylus was used to scratch markings on papyrus, palm leaf and wax tablets. The stylus was replaced by thin brushes called “pincel,” an Old French term for the small paintbrush, which came from the Latin term, “penicillus” or little tail, a fine brush with camel hair. Now we know where the term “pencil” came from.

E ventually the brush was replaced by graphite, which turned out to be good for marking and writing and soon became the preferred writing tool for almost everyone. Through the medium of the pencil came documents, announcements,

Medicare made that coverage decision last year when another Alzheimer’s drug, Biogen’s Aduhelm, hit the market.

H ealth insurers, which run Medicare Advantage coverage, have been sticking to that decision, said a spokesman for the trade group America’s Health Insurance Plans.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, which oversees Medicare, said after Leqembi’s approval that it may reconsider its coverage stance, something the Alzheimer’s Association has urged it to do.

Coverage also is likely to change if the drug receives full approval from the FDA. That could happen later this year.

In the meantime, Eisai has an assistance program that provides Leqembi for free to some patients,

news articles, books, novels, poems, and musical compositions. Painters used the pencil to make initial sketches, which later became art masterpieces.

For many writers, the thrill is in the pencil. William Faulkner, Margaret Atwood, Toni Morrison, Henry David Thoreau, Vladimir Nabokov, and others have mentioned their choice of pencil as a writing tool. Author John Steinbeck is said to have used more than 300 pencils to write his hit novel, “East of Eden” in 1952. He said: “Sometimes just the pure luxury of long beautiful pencils charges me with energy and invention.” Award-winning poet Richard Wilbur talked about the ability to forget his surroundings and his fear as long as he could write words on paper with a pencil. Ernest Hemingway noted that he could judge his output by how many pencils he dulled. Wearing down seven pencils was a good day’s work for him.

D oes writing words on paper with wooden pencil bring out the creative juices better than typing them or with a ballpen? Is it the feeling of the wooden pencil in their hands? Does the sound of the graphite scratching the paper trigger the thinking? Or is it the dark mark on paper made by each gliding stroke? Whatever the reason, thank God we still have the pencil to

including those on Medicare. It’s based partly on financial need.

Diagnosing

IT can take anywhere from several months to more than a year for doctors to diagnose a patient and then figure out if that person is a candidate for Leqembi, according to Dr. Sarah Kremen, a neurologist with the CedarsSinai health system in Los Angeles. That can depend on where a patient lives and the physician’s expertise.

First, a doctor must determine whether a patient has mild dementia. Then the doctor has to decide what caused the condition. It could stem from Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s disease, a stroke or a brain injury.

If it’s related to Alzheimer’s disease, doctors must determine whether the patient’s brain has an amyloid

get their creative mojos flowing.

E ven now it is still preferred not only by some writers but also by students, teachers, news reporters, by engineers, scientists, and golfers, mini retail store owners, and even the shadowy “jueteng kubrador” (collector of illegal lotteries).

Our neighborhood carpenter always has a pencil lodged on his ear whenever he comes to do contracted work for us.

One great mathematician always carries a pencil with him. Here’s why: “Mathematics is the cheapest science. All one needs is a pencil and paper.”

One more thing, it is the writing tool of choice for solving crossword and Sudoku puzzles. Specially one with a good eraser. Just ask my wife who is a puzzle addict, just like millions around the world.

So, contrary to my premature prediction of the wooden pencil’s demise, it looks like the humble pencil is not about to go out of style anytime soon.

Even if most of the younger generations are using a computer keyboard to write and draw, we cannot count it out yet. The evidence: 14 billion pencils are still produced each year, believe it or not!

But there is a more meaningful use of the pencil for me, which I discovered lately.

On the Internet, someone pointed out seven qualities of a pencil that

protein. The new drug aims to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s by removing that protein.

A fter all that, some doctors may hesitate to prescribe Leqembi because they don’t have a good idea yet for how the drug will help the patient or affect their everyday life, Kremen said. They have to consider that uncertainty against the brain swelling and bleeding that can develop in patients taking it. “I think this benefit versus harm issue is going to weigh heavily,” she said.

Delivering treatment

HEALTH systems must first develop plans for delivering drugs like Leqembi before they start offering it. That can take months, although some may have started before regulators approved the drug.

can serve as a guiding philosophy of one’s life. Let me just dwell on four qualities listed there. T he pencil always allows us to rub out any mistakes. If you make a mistake, there is an eraser on the top of the pencil, which can help you to correct it. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing; it helps to keep us on the right path. Being sharpened now and then renews the pencil’s performance.

So, in life, never be complacent. Don’t allow yourself to get so used to things being done the same way. Never slacken or you will get dull. Strive for new knowledge and added skills. At the workplace or in any endeavor, the sharp one has the edge. If broken, bring out the tip once more. Someone cleverly said: “Life without a purpose is like a broken pencil: it’s pointless.” With a pencil, the most useful part is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So never neglect your inner self. Nurture your mind with healthy things that challenge you and inspire good thoughts. Read books, do meditation. Have a healthy inner dialogue and give yourself positive affirmations as a form of self-compassion and acceptance.

A s the pencil gets shorter and shorter with use, so also with life. Make the most while it lasts. Be useful and productive till the last day of your life.

MOVING to frontload increased benefits for centenarians, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian also wants to ease requirements for distributing perks to senior citizens.

Tesda upskills 28K-plus OFWs, dependents in ’22

By Roderick L. Abad

THE Technical Education and Skills Development Authority

Elated by their success, Tesda’s director-general Danilo P. Cruz reaffirmed his strong commitment to continue the agency’s efforts in upskilling and reskilling OFWs and their families since they have always been among its priority clients in the provision of skills training and livelihood

programs.

“Those who come back after losing employment abroad are given the training to prepare them [with new skills for jobs] they will enter into; or if they will return to their foreign employment, and then decide to work here,” the Tesda

chief said in a recent media interview.

Meanwhile OFWs and their dependents have also been enlisting to the Tesda Online Program (TOP), as 84,509 of them registered last year.

Among the top courses they have enrolled in are “Practicing Covid-19 Preventive Measures in the Workplace,”

“Introduction to Caregiving,” and “Providing Housekeeping Services.”

The agency has likewise been helping displaced Filipino workers abroad under its “OFW Reintegration for Skills Employment (RISE)” program, which is being implemented with the help of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, Philippine Trade Train -

ing Center, and Coca-Cola Phils.

The OFW-RISE Program offers repatriates an online course accessible via the TOP, enabling them to transform their business ideas into feasible plans.

This year Cruz vowed to progressively improve Tesda’s programs so it could produce highly skilled and globally competitive workers who can adapt to the ever-changing demands of industries.

“We in Tesda have always strived to be more responsive to the needs of our kababayans ,” he declared. “We make our services more accessible for the country’s work force [for them] to be suitably equipped for new jobs or livelihood ventures.”

By Manuel T. Cayon

DAVAO CITY— Barangays in this metropolis have been asked to establish reading centers in their vicinity to ensure good access to books and other reading materials that the local library would lend to the said learning facilities.

Salome Enoc, head of the City Library and Information Center (CLIC), said the city library has been distributing several titles to reading centers in the barangays, as it would support the materials’ care and encourage reading habits among residents should the infrastructures be built.

Enoc urged barangays who have yet to establish their own reading centers “to make space where they can create one.”

“This is a call to all barangay captains to open their own reading center, even if it is only a nook,” the CLIC head prodded. “We are aiming for a child-friendly city, and one of the components is for us to build a library in our reading centers.”

She said the CLIC is willing to help barangays establish their own centers “as long as there is ample space that can be easily accessed by residents.”

According to her, the substantial dole outs that the city library receives would provide sufficient materials for each reading center.

“We are sharing these donations given by our generous Dabawenyos to the reading centers,” Enoc explained. “We are slowly distributing these to them because sometimes, we have duplicates or triplicates here.”

She said barangays which already operate reading centers have received 300 to 500 books and reading materials. In 2022 the CLIC distributed titles to reading centers in 15 far-flung barangays and an elementary school in Marilog District.

Enoc also urged Davao citizens to support the libraries and reading centers in districts and barangays by simply visiting them; or better yet, by giving out books.

Applications for postgraduate Manaaki scholarships in New Zealand now open

BAGUIO CITY—Ambassa -

dor Peter Kell was in Baguio City on January 30 and 31 to promote the “New Zealand Manaaki Scholarships” program, as he met with stakeholders to encourage young Cordillerans to apply for postgraduate studies in his country.

There, Kell encouraged more indigenous and Cordilleran young academics, as well as practitioners in the relevant fields, to apply to the program.

On February 1 the Kiwi government opened its applications for the postgraduate studies funded through the New Zealand Aid Programme. This year 16 qualified individuals will be awarded scholarships in the Oceanic country.

For School Year 2023 eight young Filipinos will be heading there for their postgraduate degrees: Saidin Ali (Master in Marine Studies, University of Auckland); Efren Gabriel Alvarado (Master in Disaster Risk and Resilience, University of Canterbury); Mary Jill Banta (Master in Environmental Science, Victoria University of Wellington); Chareen Joy Guzman (Master in Environmental Policy and Management, Lincoln University); Jay Jomar Quintos (PhD: Indigenous Studies, University of Otago-Dunedin); Nina Joan Revalde (Master in Engineering Management, University of Auckland); Keith David Salarda (Master in Disaster Management, University of Auckland); and Leslie Sampollo (PhD in Marine Science, University of Auckland).

ing at the New Zealand Embassy in Manila on January 12, Kell disclosed that “we provide them with a world-class education, and positive New Zealand experience. We [send] scholars back better equipped to contribute to their countries’ development.”

According to the envoy, Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships help build prosperity, security and sustainable growth in the Philippines, and a lifetime connection with his country. Aotearoa New Zealand’s development linkages reflect the former’s strengths in agriculture, education, governance, renewable energy, and disaster resilience.

The Māori concept of manaakitanga: hosting, supporting or caring for others, he said, underpins the Manaaki New Zealand Scholarships program: “[We have] been demonstrating the said concept with our scholarships…since the 1950s.”

Priority sectors for study are postgraduate degrees in climate change and the environment, food security and agriculture, renewable energy, disaster-risk management, as well as public-

Mike Policarpio

DepEd hastens Filipino student empowerment through Microsoft Youth Ambassador program

sector management—including peace and conflict studies, as well as indigenous studies.

The application is open to eligible candidates from the public, private and civil-society sectors. Scholarships will cover full tuition, establishment allowance, living costs, medical and travel insurance, plus travel to and from the Philippines. Successful applicants from this selection round will be placed into Master’s or PhD studies commencing in 2024—provided that border and visa settings continue their status quo at that time. It will close at 12 p.m. on February 28.

To qualify applicants should be under 40 years of age at the time of commencing their scholarship; have at least one year of work experience (or two years, if including internship and volunteer work); and agree to return to the Philippines for a minimum of two years upon completion of study.

Those interested may visit the New Zealand Embassy Facebook page for details. Message https:// scholarship.force.com/Scholar/s/ enquiry for questions.

MORE than 300 students from 17 regions recently completed the Microsoft Youth Ambassador (MYA) program, which culminated its pilot run with a hybrid graduation ceremony at the Department of Education (DepEd) Central Office.

Spearheaded by DepEd’s Youth Formation Division with Microsoft Phils., the MYA was launched in November 2021 aimed at enhancing employability by empowering Filipino students to become globally competitive, value-driven, career-oriented, culturally rooted, and socially responsible professionals.

The program was a year-long initiative for qualified DepEd learners from junior high school to senior high school who are open to learning ways Microsoft solutions can be used for learning and productivity while sharing such with their peers, and are ready to develop leadership, communication and interpersonal skills.

Participants then become representatives who advocate youth empowerment through technology. They are also given access to training programs and certification pathways that support career-readiness.

“The Philippines is currently in a demographic window of opportunity, which makes our work with the DepEd critical not just today, but for years to come,” stated Microsoft Phils. Education Programs head Clarissa Segismundo. “As the nation recovers from the pandemic and moves forward, lasting positive economic outcomes hinge on inclusive empowerment for all participants across the country. This program is one step of many we plan to make to ensure we empower tomorrow for all Filipinos.”

The pilot batch of MYAs underwent comprehensive capacity-building within 2022 on Microsoft 365, digital literacy via LinkedIn Learning, professional communication skills training, as well as mentoring and coaching sessions for their capstone projects. The training sessions were held in partnership with Microsoft’s global training partner Audentes Technologies.

In their first year the MYAs led more than 30 community-driven training sessions in their respective regions, which helped build capacity for over 30,000 DepEd learners on digital literacy and the proper use of Microsoft technology. To date over 150 have successfully completed the digital literacy learning path on LinkedIn Learning.

“In these times, it is more crucial than ever to use our skills to help others grow and learn,” said Assistant Secretary for Operations Dexter Galban. “Through the MYA program, we are able to provide opportunities for students to become globally competitive, employable, and empowered to use technology.”

Galban added: “This is just the beginning for us all. With the support of Microsoft Phils. and the Youth Ambassador program, we are eager to continue our mission of increasing employability in students [nationwide] through digital and work-ready skills.”

On December 10, 2022 the MYAs’ pilot batch were officially recognized as program graduates at a hybrid ceremony held in-person at the DepEd Central Office and online via Microsoft Teams. Student-delegates across 17 DepEd regional leaders and officers from DepEd’s Youth Formation Division attended the rites.

“I wholeheartedly thank the DepEd Youth Formation Division, Audentes Technologies, and most of all Microsoft Phils for this opportunity,” shared Jomar Al M. Cardano who is a DepEd learner from Borongan City’s Schools Division Office. “This opportunity [enabled] me to learn important skills…for my future. The experience helped me hone my abilities, and inspired me to be a better student leader and advocate.”

Moving forward, Microsoft Phils. and DepEd are working on the MYA Program’s next round. Moreover, the partnership will continue to drive positive impact in Philippine education by supporting Filipino learners, while providing more avenues and opportunities where they can hone and champion the use of technology for learning.

Dean accorded with Austrian museum private viewing

By Rizal Raoul S. Reyes

FILIPINO artist and dean Jon Cuyson of iACADEMY’s School of Design and the Arts recently traveled to Austria to observe and study the archived ethnological collection from the Philippines at the Weltmuseum Wien in Vienna.

Built in 1876, the Weltmuseum Wien is Austria’s largest anthropological museum. It is housed inside the Hofburg Imperial Palace, housing 400,000-plus ethnographical and archaeological objects from Asia, Africa, Oceania and America.

Cuyson was given a tour by curator Reinhard Blumauer for a private viewing of the collection of the museum, which includes old objects and photographic images for the purpose of artistic research and future collaboration.

“I am honored to be given access to the vast collection of the museum, as this will provide me with a deeper understanding of the colonial history between Austria and the Philippines that not many know about,” Cuyson said. “I want to express my gratitude to the Weltmuseum Wien for this opportunity to explore my own culture’s past under the lens of the present.”

In the recent virtual roundtable talk

“House of Hearts Special,” Cuyson was joined by multidisciplinary artists across the Pacific and Indian Oceans, where they shared

their current undertakings in arts, culture, music and dance.

Being situated in different parts of the world, the discussion circled around notions on diaspora and displacement. Cuyson presented his work “Dancing The Shrimp” to the group, where his investigations on the 17thCentury Filipino settlement in the bayous of Louisiana culminated in a solo exhibition at the University of the Philippines-Vargas Museum in 2016 with Dr. Patrick Flores.

The Philippine-educated Cuyson has participated in exhibitions in New York and Europe since 2004. His works employ different techniques and media including texts, photographs, drawings, artist books, paintings and installations. He received his Master of Fine Arts degree from Columbia University in New York City in 2010.

(Tesda) said it was able to train in 2022 a total of 28,982 returning overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and their dependents.

MICROSOFT Youth Ambassadors (from left): John Alfie Rendon, Shenn Contioso Montargo, Rayv Jasper Herbieto, Kate Gomez Barbadillo, Vanessa Angelica Sieras, Thomas Danjo Manulat and Antoniette Grace Avila

DEAN Jon Cuyson (from left) at a private viewing of the Weltmuseum Wein’s Philippine ethnological collection, with Desk Director Ken Mapayo and curator Reinhard Blumauer

NEW ZEALAND scholars during their predeparture briefing with Ambassador Peter Kell and Deputy Head of Mission Tim Given (both at center).

Davao barangays prodded to establish reading centers

REBRANDED The former Malayan Colleges-Laguna is now known as Mapúa Malayan Colleges Laguna. The change in name was announced by its executive vice president and COO Engr. Anthony Hilmer S. Medrano during the opening ceremony of the institution’s 17th founding anniversary celebration last January 23. He said, “With more than a decade of success driven by the collective DNA that powers the dedication of our community, we are ready to...dedicate ourselves anew.” For its president and CEO Dr. Dodjie S. Maestrecampo: “This new name embodies our dedication to ‘Excellence and Virtue,’ [committed] to providing the world-renowned Mapúa educational heritage that develops learners to excel in life, contribute to nation-building, and lead a changing society.”

Tourism&Entertainment

Editor: Carla Mortel-Baricaua

Romantic retreats and rendezvous

For true-blue romantics, Valentine’s Day is a red-letter which has to be celebrated in a very special way, notwithstanding the skyrocketing prices of basic commodities and fuel. And even for people who don’t count themselves as romantic fools, the Day of the Hearts has an enigmatic pull because of the irresistible promos being rolled out by hotels, restaurants, and resorts.

Below are some unique date places you can spend V-Day with your special someone, or just your family and friends for beyondthe-usual bonding moments.

If you don’t wanna brave the out-of-town traffic, Las Casas Quezon City is a unique choice because of its inimitable Old World c harm and romantic ambiance of a bygone area. A sister restaurant of the famed Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar heritage resort in Bataan, is offering a romantic dinner at its Plaza Juico for only P3,500 per person and a special dinner enjoying a live performance from the string quartet of the s c ala Chamber Orchestra. Composed of alumni from the ust s y mphony Orchestra, the young musical group will render contemporary ballads, light classics and s p anish love songs. Guests can also dine by the gardens or poolside area for P3,000/pax and be serenaded by its in-house violinist.

Families or groups who will opt

for lunch, Las Casas has a Valentine Lunch s p ecial for P800 per person. It also welcomes guests who wish to travel back in time and marvel at replicas of Filipino heritage houses and sample the signature Filipino delicacies of puto bumbong and bibingka at the to ur & Dine e x perience for only P300/pax.

u p n orth, couples can have a secluded and sentimental date which is away from the madding crowd. Nestled at the foothills of Mt. Mariveles, t h e Oriental Bataan beckons with a P5,310 offering which covers an overnight a ccommodation at a Deluxe Cellar room, breakfast for two, use o f facilities, and consumable food and drinks worth P1,000.

Guests can feast on Italian set dinner for P1,150 per person consisting of chicken potato croquettes, honey mango mustard salad, butter bean and bacon, braised b eef shank with tomato wine sauce, and vanilla melted brown -

ies, or P1,550 consisting of gnocchi, Italian salad with feta cheese, c ream of asparagus, braised lamb shank and wine sauce, and burnt basque cheesecake.

Diners will be serenaded by a violinist at the hotel’s newly-refurbished al fresco Cliff Lounge w hich has a majestic view of the historic mountains which figured during World War II. Afterwards, be pampered by an Asian-style relaxing massage for a consummate escapade.

B eyond V-Day, visitors can explore the romantic retreats, play golf, hop around the beach coves, do adventure activities and discover the hidden wonders of Bataan and adjoining provinces through the hotel’s affiliate tour operator, Aura Mosca tr avel.

At any given time, the City on the Ridge is a top-of-mind hideaway because of the panoramic ta al Lake and Volcano, the plethora of food choices, and proximity to southern metropolis and

s uburbs. t h row in with its cool breeze which makes for a cuddly ambiance, then ta gaytay is a hands-down choice for the special evening.

tu cked away from the usual crowded places is Via Appia ta gaytay, an Italian-themed boutique h otel boasts of plenty of open green spaces, low-density buildings, Mediterranean-inspired d ishes, and artsy spacious rooms.

Named after the famed Roman e m pire era road which led to the

major cities and imperial colonies of the ancient world, it attempts to recapture the glory that was Rome and transplant the experience in this mountain resort city.

W ith elements of the ancient empire and contemporary Italy put together in a luxe garden setting, guests can bask in their own p resent-day version of the classic movie “Roman Holiday”.

u n til February 19, it has the Love On to p promo which will keep you on top of your game at very reasonable rates. Couples can feast on a dinner and massage for two, and get a sound sleep at a premiere room for P7,488, a de luxe room for P7,188, and a superior room for P6,888.

I t also has a t o tal Relaxation Package for P 7,888 which i ncludes overnight stay with breakfast for two, dessert, and a couple’s manicure and pedicure service, which runs until April 5. With this unique restaurant roundup, romantics will surely never run out of V-Day road trips, retreats and rendezvous.

Top ecotourism awards given in the first global green travel mart in Silang, Cavite

Guests and participants from all over the world will witness rites to award the winners in the A e N ( Asian e c otourism Network) International e c otourism Awards. t he se are aimed at recognizing best practices in ecotourism that works at c onserving the environment while aiming at socially and economically sustaining the well-being of the local people.

t h e global selection is one of the highlights of the world’s first International e c otourism tr avel

Mart (I e t M ) which takes place in s i lang, Cavite, Philippines from March 29 to April 2, 2023.

Finalists under nine categories were announced last December in s e ville, s p ain during Global s u stainable tou rism Council (G s t C ) conference in s e ville, s p ain on December 12, 2022 and spearheaded b y Masaru ta kayama, chairman of the A e N.

A e N i s a co-organizer of the I e t M , together with the s i langbased International s c hool on s u stainable to urism. A e N is the Asian

initiative of the Global e c otourism Network based in Costa Rica.

t h e Philippines’s te n Knots Development Corp. which owns and o perates the Palawan resort e l Nido and the Lio to urism e s tate are finalists in three categories.

F inalists for the category Destination Governance are s o uth Korea’s u l san Metropolitan City and ta iwan’s North e a st and Yilan Coast National s c enic Area Administration; for s u stainable Building are s ukau Rainforest Lodge in Malaysia, and Howard Restor Xitou in

ta iwan; for Community Benefit are s ukao Rainforest Lodge, Feynan e c olodge in Jordan, Wando County and Gudeuljangnon Conservation Council, s outh Korea; for Climate Action are u l san Metropolitan City and Feynan e colodge; and for Biodiversity Conservation are te n Knots Group in the Philippines, ta ehwa River e c otourism Association in s outh Korea.

Finalist for the category Waste Management is the Lio tou rism e s tate in the Philippines; and for e co tourism Promotion are te n

Knots Group, and Japan National to urism Organization; for e n vironment Leadership are ta iwan e c otourism Association and Jejy e c otourism Association in s o uth Korea; for Innovative e c otourism are Wando County and Gudeuljangnon Conservation Council, ta iwan e c otourism Association and to ucheng Leisure Hotel in ta iwan; and for Community Champion, the Wando County and Gudeuljangnon Conservation Council.

I e t M p rogram and activities include the following: buyers and sell -

ers mart for ecotourism packages a nd related services; exhibition of ecotourism, green technology, and environment-management and conservation related programs, services and a market place to buy beautiful green and sustainable products from different regions; and a two-day forum that covers the A- to-Zs of ecotourism. I e t M w ill have over 21 countries in participation.

M ore details available on its website www.internationalecotourismtravelmart.com.

Story& photos by Bernard Supetran

Enjoy an al fresco romantic dinner at The oriental Bataan.

La S Casas Quezon City is a heritage heaven and a romantic spot, too.

Th E oriental Bataan is perched on a hill with Mount Mariveles as its backdrop.

Via appia Tagaytay is boutique hotel with italian-inspired garden.

CoupLES will be serenaded by Scala Chamber orchestra at Las Casas Quezon City.

Via appia Tagaytay offers relaxing and comfortable stay.

How hopia sales survived the pandemic

even pre-pandemic, but things were at a standstill for a month because of the government-imposed lockdown. After that, Eng Bee Tin, like many businesses, had to mostly rely on sales online from those e-commerce platforms, aside from foodpanda and Grab.

“

We were doing OK because we had online sales but we lost the walk-in customers, the balikbayans who would buy a lot from the stores, and our exports,” said Gerik Chua, vice-president for operations of Eng Bee Tin.

After the lockdown, Eng Bee Tin reopened its stores even if some outlets remained closed. Our focus was to open everyday. Our staff members were reassigned to different stores. Our family would not starve if we didn’t sell anything but our staff needed to survive. They needed income during the pandemic,” said Gerik.

We asked Gerik whether he met some resistance from his dad about having their famous hopia and other products online.

“My father is very innovative. He’s also a techie so having online stores was nothing new to him.”

Gerik credits his father for establishing the brand’s foothold by coming up with offering new flavors, including Eng Bee Tin’s signature ube hopia, and upgrading the packaging. It was also Gerry Chua who came up with Eng Bee Tin hopia’s wellloved super thin crust.

It’s not surprising that Eng Bee Tin’s signature color is violet. The color can be seen everywhere from the store’s facade to the hopia’s packaging, to the uniform shirts that Gerik and his siblings Gerald and Geraldyn wear to work everyday.

WHEN the going gets tough, the tough go online. That was the case for many businesses in 2020 and 2021, when the pandemic forced people to stay at home. Binondo, a bustling district with many restaurants, supermarkets and retail stories, became a ghost town.

Eng Bee Tin, which is known for its hopia, had to close its operations, including manufacturing, for a month in 2020. The business was already online on the company website, Shopee and Lazada

Gerik is the eldest of the three Chua siblings who work for the family business. He has been with Eng Bee Tin since he was in college at the University of Santo Tomas. He’d be in school in the mornings and at Eng Bee Tin in the afternoons. A graduate of BS Business Administration Major in Marketing Management of University of Santo Tomas (UST) in 2012, trained in Baking Science and Technology at the American Institute of Baking in 2012, Gerik is also executive director of the Filipino Chinese fire volunteer brigade called TXTFIRE Philippines. He is also a past-president of Philippine Society of Baking (PSB).

Of the three Chua siblings, it was Gerik who got into the business the earliest. In 2009, their father Gerry encouraged him to come up with his own ideas to further grow the business.

It was my idea to open more branches. We had 11 branches in 2009. We are now at 45 all over Luzon,” said Gerik.

Senior citizen registers 20-year-old SIM at Globe assistance desk

WHEN Erlinda Caring chanced upon a Globe SIM

Registration Assistance Desk on her recent trip to a mall in Bacolod City, the 68-year-old took the opportunity to get her SIM registered. She didn’t want to cram close to the deadline or risk losing her TM SIM, which she has been using for some 20 years.

My children were busy, and I saw SIM registration in my area, so I grabbed the opportunity to register my SIM Card,” Caring, a basic phone user, told Globe brand ambassadors who manned the assistance desk on January 27, the day of her visit.

Caring, of Barangay Alijis, Bacolod City, was ready with two valid IDs and her SIM, and gamely posed for a photo to complete her registration. It took her all of 5 minutes.

A loyal TM user, Caring shared that she has never changed her SIM as it has been convenient to use. “TM load is affordable and has a fast signal, too,” she said. Globe has started rolling out SIM Registration Assistance Desks in strategic locations across the country to help seniors and basic phone users like Caring register their SIMs within deadline conveniently.

This is among Globe’s initiatives to reach out to as many customers as possible and get their

SIMs registered before the April 26, 2023 deadline. Those who fail to register will have their SIMs deactivated.

“We are going where our customers are, so we are bringing SIM registration assistance desks to strategic locations. We want to make sure those facing challenges in registering their SIMs get the help that they need,” said Cleo Santos, head of Globe’s Channel Management Group.

In January, Globe deployed SIM registration assistance booths in 15 areas under the government-led rollout of on-site SIM registration. It also held SIM registration assistance in 30 Puregold branches across the country from January 27 to 29, and massive SIM registration initiatives at the Sinulog Festival in Cebu and the Dinagyang Festival in Iloilo.

Registration continues 24/7 at https://new.globe. com.ph/simreg, while SIM Registration will soon be available in the GlobeOne app, where customers may get exclusive promos and deals only in the app.

As of February 2, Globe has logged over 11.45 million registrations on its platform. It is set to roll out more on-site SIM registration booths in the coming weeks.

Apple and Google app stores get thumbs down from White House

By Fatima Hussein

The Associated Press

WASHINGTON—The Biden administration is taking aim at Apple and Google for operating mobile app stores that it says stifle competition.

The finding is contained in a Commerce Department report released by the administration on Wednesday as President Joe Biden convened his competition council for an update on efforts to promote competition and lower prices.

You’ve heard me say capitalism without competition isn’t capitalism,” Biden said Wednesday before convening the meeting, “it is just simply exploitation,” he said.

And on another competition front, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau was pushing forward with efforts to limit credit card late fees.

The report from the Commerce Department’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration says the current app store model—dominated by Apple and Google—is “harmful to consumers and developers” by inflating prices and reducing innovation. The firms have a stranglehold on the market that squelches competition, it adds.

The policies that Apple and Google have in place in their own mobile app stores have created unnecessary barriers and costs for app developers, ranging from fees for access to functional

restrictions that favor some apps over others,” the report said.

In an op -ed in The Wall Street Journal in January, Biden called on Democrats and Republicans to rein in large tech firms without mentioning Cupertino, California-based Apple Inc. and Mountain View, California-based Google LLC by name.

When tech platforms get big enough, many find ways to promote their own products while excluding or disadvantaging competitors—or charge competitors a fortune to sell on their platform,” Biden said. “My vision for our economy is one in which everyone—small and midsized businesses, mom-and-pop shops, entrepreneurs—can compete on a level playing field with the biggest companies.”

A representative from Apple told The Associated Press that “we respectfully disagree with a number of conclusions reached in the report, which ignore the investments we make in innovation, privacy and security—all of which contribute to why users love iPhone and create a level playing field for small developers to compete on a safe and trusted platform.”

And a Google spokesperson said the firm also disagrees with the report, namely “how this report characterizes Android, which enables more choice and competition than any other mobile operating system.”

A legal battle over app store dominance is already playing out in the courts. Apple has defended the area surrounding its iPhone app

store, known as a walled garden, as an indispensable feature prized by consumers who want the best protection available for their personal information. It has said it faces significant competition from various alternatives to video games on its iPhones. And Google has long defended itself against claims of monopoly.

The Commerce Department report said “new legislation and additional antitrust enforcement actions are likely necessary” to boost competition in the app ecosystem.

Alan Davidson, the NTIA administrator, told reporters the report “identifies where legislation would be needed to address some of these issues.”

Meanwhile, the White House said the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau would move forward with a proposed rule to limit credit card late fees, which the bureau estimates would save consumers roughly $9 billion in late fees annually.

Rohit Chopra, the bureau’s director, said the rule is projected to reduce typical late fees from roughly $30 to $8 for missed payments and could go into effect as soon as 2024.

“Historically, credit card companies charge relatively small penalty amounts for missed payments, but once they discovered that these fees could be a source of easy profits, late fees shot up with a surge occurring in the 2000s,” Chopra told reporters.

The bureau is the nation’s financial watchdog agency created in 2011 after the Great Recession.

At the heart of the Eng Bee Tin (which is not anyone’s name but means “forever beautiful and precious) is its commitment to giving its customers goods of the highest quality.

But the main reason for the interview is Bakery Fair 2023 on March 2, 3 and 4 at the World Trade Center organized by the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association Inc. (FCBAI), of which Gerik is the president.

Bakery Fair is the biennial civic project of the FCBAI to promote and uplift the Philippines bakery industry and support socio-economic development. FCBAI is also part of the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce & Industry Inc.

Our last edition was held online due to the pandemic but now, we’re back to doing it as a face-to-face event. Our main goal here is for the industry players to have a venue to exhibit their products and services, and for the consumers to try them out,” said Gerik.

To pre-register for admission to the Bakery Fair 2023, visit https: //www.bakeryfair.ph.

Digital finance channels drive success of millennial MSMEs

By Roderick L. Abad Contributor

MILLENNIAL micro, small and medium enterprise (MSME) owners are given more capitalization to grow their businesses by alternative online funding platforms, according to a research of Cambridge Center for Alternative Finance (CCAF) at the University of Cambridge Judge Business School and the Asian Development Bank Institute (ADBI).

About 42 percent of the survey respondents, comprised of 25- to 34-year-old sole traders with a handful of employees from five member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), report that micro-lending, crowdfunding, and Buy-Now-Pay-Later channels are crucial to enhance their productivity and expand their markets.

The Asean Access to Digital Finance Study concludes that alternative fundings on the web are important in giving them access to capital. Other reasons they adopted them are better customer service, flexible terms, ease and speed of getting money compared to traditional sources.

Amylene “Aimee” Dingle could attest to that after building her successful food stall with just a P1,000 loan from Tala (https://tala.ph/borrow/). To her, securing finances through this online lending platform is like a partnership with a “companion that supports me and helps me achieve my goals. It’s so easy to get a loan from it. I can always count on it.”

Dingle’s success story shows how digital lending and capital-raising platforms are opening more opportunities for those who have difficulty getting funds. Unemployed with no savings and access to obtain bank loans, she just learned about Tala through a Facebook ad. After downloading the app, she applied for a P1,000 loan. A few minutes later, she got a text message of the approved loan which she could pick up at the nearest remittance center.

With that amount, she purchased cold cuts, hamburgers and hot dogs to sell to her neighbors. It was the beginning of her small food stall. In just 30 days, she paid back the loan together with the 15 percent interest and small processing fee Tala charged her. Her business has continued since then.

Due to diligent repayment, Dingle can apply for the maximum amount of credit that Tala offers. Now, her business has grown, nearly doubling her household’s income, and enabling their family to move to a quiet and clean neighborhood.

“We made our loans to be flexible and easy to access so that more people, especially the unbanked, can gain the life-changing opportunities they deserve. We’re very proud that Aimee was able to use our services and we hope to continue helping her and many more,” Tala General Manager Donald Evangelista said.

This global technology company has so far given $3 billion-plus loans to over seven million people across three different continents.

The Chua siblings: (from left) Geraldyn, Gerald and Gerik, vice-president for operations of Eng Bee Tin, and president of the Filipino Chinese Bakery Association Inc. PHOTO BY DINNA CHAN VASQUEZ

Caring registers her 20-year-old TM SIM at a Globe booth in a Bacolod City mall.

Creating safer yet easy-to-remember passwords

So forget birthdays, your nickname or initials, the name of your child or pet, name of your street, or numbers from your address. You should also avoid obvious words and phrases like “password” or “letmein,” sequences like “abcd” or “1234” or even keyboard patterns like “qwerty” or “qazwsx.”

A 14-character password with a mix of upperand lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols, with no common words usually works best. But creating a different strong password for each of your account could drive you crazy, so it’s easier to use a pass phrase instead.

AFTER having reviewed a lot of devices in the past few years, I considered myself a bit of an expert when it comes to setting up a new device and restoring accounts—or so I thought.

But getting a device ready for someone else is different and can be a time-consuming process—especially for people who couldn’t remember their account emails. I was helping my mom setup her new phone and she was using at least three different emails (Yahoo and Gmail) but could only remember one password. The problem was the password she thought she remembered didn’t work on any of her emails. She also had two Facebook accounts but forgot which email she used to log-in. Good thing she still had her old phone, but we still had to change all of her passwords to something more current and memorable for her.

I told her to write it down on a notebook, but I was both surprised and proud when my dad mentioned using Google Password Manager. I had already tried it but sadly there were no passwords saved on her old phone either.

Remembering passwords can be a such a pain especially if you have a lot of accounts, and coming out of the pandemic, we all signed up for all sorts of apps and games, and are guilty of using a single password to avoid the hassle.

Learning how to use the Google Password Manager and creating stronger passwords were among the main points of discussions as Google led Safer Internet Day last February 7.

As more people use the internet in everyday activities, online safety has become an increasingly top priority for many Filipinos.

According to Google Trends, the Philippines was among the Top 3 countries and territories in the world searching for “Computer Virus” and “Computer Emergency Response Team” in 2022.

Search interest for Computer Virus, in particular, reached a 10-year high in the country last year. The country was also among the top 5 countries and territories in the world that searched for the following topics: “phishing,” “Trojan Horse,” “privacy,” “private browsing,” “Identity Theft,” “Malware,” “Internet Safety,” “Cyber Bullying” and “Email Spoofing.”

The search results indicate a growing concern among Filipinos regarding online safety. In its mission to keep everyone safe on the internet, Google has implemented various security measures and features that allow individuals to secure their accounts and protect them from malicious entities.

“Keeping people safe online is so important to Google. We deliver on this commitment by providing safe and secure products to help people get the best of technology. Every Google product is secure by default with security and protections built-in for everyone,” said Mervin Wenke, head of Communication and Public Affairs at Google Philippines.

Google checks 1 billion passwords for breaches daily, so it’s important to know how to create a strong yet easily memorable password.

Password managers are your best bet to secure your accounts. Google Password Manager helps you create unique passwords that are hard to crack and store them all for you instead of you writing them down, and it alerts you if your credentials have been compromised by a breach and if you are entering them into malicious websites.

A strong password should be memorable to you but nearly impossible for someone else to guess.

Start with a couple of movie or song titles or a favorite quote, for example Avatar Way of the Water and We Don’t Talk About Bruno. You can then take the first letters of the words AWOTWWDTAB. Then put one of the titles in lower case “awotwWDTAB” add the number 2 in between since the movie is a sequel—awotw2WDTAB. Then exchange the “a” for “@”as you’ll need a special character

That leaves you with “@wotw2WDT@B”. Add another special character at the beginning to make it even stronger. “#@wotw2WDT@B”. If you are planning to do several versions, you might want to add a couple of letters to remind you for each account say “fa” for Facebook, “go” for Google, or “lz” for Lazada, etc. Put those letters anywhere in the base password that you can remember.

Another trick we learned is to swap special characters instead of letters for your passphrase.

For example: “Cats are the best pets on earth” can be typed as “(@+$@R3+h3b3s+p3+sOn3@r+h” – but I don’t recommend substituting a special characters to every swappable letter.

Pass phrases are an easier way to not only meet the criteria suggested and to remember multiple passwords for your multiple accounts.

Get extra protection with 2-step verification.

You can take a Security Checkup which is a step-bystep process for addressing personalized security recommendations, including: enrolling in 2-step verification for an extra layer of security at sign-in, setting up your account in the event you need to recover it, managing risky apps, and more.

Another tip to remember is to make sure you’re going to legit sites: Be on your toes when you spot suspicious emails, texts, or phone calls from sources pretending to be from your bank, stores you frequent, or even a friend, as these can contain phishing links designed to steal sensitive data and information. It’s always best to avoid directly clicking on a link; instead, type in the URL. If you do click a link, hover over it first, as sometimes this can reveal that it’s going to take you to a malicious site instead.

Think first before sharing personal information such as name, last name, screen name, address, email, phone number, credit card as well as government data such as SSS number. Medical, educational and financial data are also considered personal information.

Our devices are connected to so many things, so securing them is essential. Make sure you’re applying security updates and patches and not ignoring those notifications. They’re crucial to closing open doors to attackers that vulnerabilities open up.

To know more on how you can be safer and more secure online, go to safety.google

VIBER SOARS TO SUPERAPP STATUS

RAKUTEN Viber announced two major launches worldwide as a new stage in the evolution of branduser interaction on the app. The new offerings include a Business Inbox and a searchable Commercial Account, which will become the next step in Viber’s long-term superapp strategy.

According to research, 71 percent of consumers expect companies to deliver personalized interactions, and 82 percent of organizations plan to implement a strategy to deliver a better customer value through services.

Viber Business Inbox is a dedicated space for brand-user interactions, accessible directly from an individual’s regular Chats screen. The feature allows

for all business messages from official brand accounts to be stored and organized in one folder (such as a bank notification, an order confirmation from a delivery service, a special offer from a store, etc.).

Another step toward better customer experience is a new Commercial Account, where users will be able to discover all of the ways to engage with a brand in just one place. It will host all business information, services, and Chats on Viber under a single searchable business entity where users can search for these accounts (businesses) proactively by typing the name of the business into Viber’s main search bar. Commercial Accounts will have the brand’s title, logo, verification badge, description, contact information, and communication channels available on Viber. Brands will be able to add up to three addresses, a website, a phone number, and a description of up to 1,000 characters to make sure users can find all the information they are looking for.

“The recent updates to Viber provide a strong foundation for the introduction of additional features as part of the company’s superapp strategy,” says Cristina Constandache, chief revenue officer at Rakuten Viber. “This strategy aims to improve the utility of the app for users and expand the ways in which brands can connect with their audience in a natural way, resulting in increased value for both parties. By adding more features, services and communication channels, Viber is able to offer more value to both users and brands in a streamlined manner.”

The two features are now available globally, including the Philippines.

DIFFERENTIATED LUXURY EXPERIENCE SHOWCASED AT CES 2023

GLOBAL tech brand LG Electronics (LG) unveiled its secondgeneration LG Signature home appliance lineup at CES 2023. Offering timeless design and innovative technologies for a more convenient, stylish and sustainable life at home, the sophisticated, new products were showcased at the LG Signature zone of the brand’s booth under the theme of “Live Beyond”.

Seven years after its launch, LG Signature continues to redefine ultra-premium, delivering elegant, highly-advanced appliances and living solutions that take performance, design and usability to new heights. While remaining true to the brand’s philosophy and craftsman-like quality, the second-generation lineup adds differentiated features and technologies that offer even more convenience, as well as new colors, materials and finishes that bring a sleeker, more minimalist look to the home.

Apple suffers 1st quarterly sales decline in

nearly 4 years

APPLE on Thursday posted its first quarterly revenue drop in nearly four years after pandemic-driven restrictions on its China factories curtailed sales of the latest iPhone during the holiday season.

The company’s sales of $117 billion for the October-December period represented a 5 percent decline from the same time in the previous year, a deeper downturn than analysts had projected.

It marks Apple’s first year-over-year decrease in quarterly revenue since the January-March period in 2019 when sales also slipped 5 percent amid slowing iPhone demand and the fallout of a trade war with China that was being waged by then-President Donald Trump.

Apple’s profit also eroded during the past quarter, even though the Cupertino, California, company remained a pillar of prosperity. Earnings totaled $30 billion, or $1.88 per share, a 13 decrease from the same time in the previous year. Those results also missed a target of $1.94 per share set by analysts polled by FactSet Research.

The models on display at CES included the brand-new LG Signature 4-Door French-Door refrigerator with Dual InstaView, a washer and dryer pair with 7-inch LCD touch panels, Over-theRange Microwave Oven with smart InstaView, and the double Oven Slide-in Range with built-in cameras and automatic time and temperature-setting functionality. Among other LG Signature products that appeared in the exhibit included an air conditioner, air purifier, OLED TV and the Wine Cellar.

“ The LG Signature second-generation appliances combine our exclusive technologies, an array of enhanced features of convenience and efficiency, and gorgeous, modern design for a smart, sustainable and more luxurious life at home,” said Lyu Jae-cheol, president of LG Electronics Home Appliance & Air Solution Company.

Investors reacted to the letdown by initially driving down Apple’s stock by nearly 5 percent in Thursday’s extended trading. But management remarks made during a conference call with analysts raised hopes that Apple’s disappointing performance may have been a mere hiccup, paring the decrease in the company’s shares to less than 1 percent.

Apple’s rare stumble came against a backdrop of renewed investor optimism about tech’s outlook for this year, helping to spur a 17 percent increase in the sector’s bellwether Nasdaq composite index so far this year. AP

China says it’s ready to ‘enhance’ ties with Taiwan opposition party

CHINA said it is willing to forge closer ties with Taiwan’s main opposition party, underscoring recent efforts by Beijing to adjust its tough approach to the democratically run island.

based on Taiwan’s political situation.” Beijing has pledged to bring Taiwan under its control one day, by force if necessary.

One of the leading presidential candidates for Taiwan’s Democratic Progressive Party, Vice President William Lai, once described himself as a “political worker for Taiwanese independence,” the type of rhetoric that angers Beijing.

China’s top foreign policy official, Wang Yi, last year compared the drive for independence to a charging rhinoceros that must be stopped in its tracks. He also criticized the US, Taiwan’s main military backer, for speeding the movement along.

Hsia may also meet Politburo Standing Committee member Wang Huning, the No. 4 official in China’s ruling Communist Party, during his nine-day trip across the strait. If that meeting takes place, it would show the high priority China is placing on Hsia’s visit.

said on Friday the nation had restarted a passenger link between the coastal city of Quanzhou and the Taiwanese island of Kinmen. Two similar travel links resumed earlier.

Over his decade in power, Xi has ramped up military, diplomatic and economic pressure on Tsai.

Beijing has cut off all direct communication with her government because it refuses to accept the idea that the island is part of China.

Tsai also frustrates Beijing by courting broader recognition for the island’s more than 23 million people, in part by hosting visits from high-profile figures. In August, a trip by then-House speaker Nancy Pelosi prompted Beijing to order unprecedented military exercises around the island, including sending missiles over Taiwan.

The Biden administration criticized those drills as “provocative,” raising concern of a broader conflict erupting.

Song Tao, the head of Beijing’s Taiwan Affairs Office (TAO), made the remarks in a meeting with visiting Kuomintang (KMT) Vice Chairman Andrew Hsia on Thursday, the official Xinhua News Agency reported.

Song said China and its ruling Communist Party are “willing to enhance exchanges and build up mutual trust with the KMT, and work with the KMT to promote relations between the two parties and two sides of the Taiwan Strait.”

The Mainland Affairs Council in Taipei said in a statement that Beijing was handling the talks with

Macron weighs kicking Putin out of French Legion of Honor

BRUSSELS—Ukraine’s wartime leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has now been bestowed with France’s highest medal of honor. But there’s a problem: Russian President Vladimir Putin has the same medal.

French President Emmanuel Macron pinned the Grand Cross of the Legion of Honor medal on Zelenskyy’s chest after the two met in the French presidential palace Thursday, a move Macron said was meant to show France’s “immense” recognition for Ukraine’s valor since Russia invaded it a year ago.

Some French legislators and activists have called on Macron to rescind Putin’s award because of the war.

Macron didn’t rule out stripping Putin of the honor bestowed by thenPresident Jacques Chirac in 2006.

Macron told reporters Friday that such a decision “has serious meaning, and it should be taken at the right moment.’’ He noted that he has rescinded the honor in the past.

Macron stripped Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein of his Legion of Honor award in the wake of widespread sexual misconduct allegations

Ukraine’s Zelenskyy makes emotional appeal for EU membership in summit

BRUSSELS—President Volodymyr

Zelenskyy asked his Western allies Thursday for more weapons and said “a Ukraine that is winning” its war with Russia should become a member of the European Union, arguing the bloc won’t be complete without it.

Hsia in a way that was “harming our sovereign dignity.” Beijing should “abandon coercive thinking towards Taiwan,” it added.

China’s is wooing the KMT as campaign season heats up for a presidential election in Taiwan in January 2024. Chinese leader Xi Jinping appears to be calculating that easing off would boost the chances of a candidate from the opposition, which shares the idea that Taiwan is part of China.

TAO spokeswoman Zhu Fenglian said Wednesday that her nation’s “policy on Taiwan is consistent and clear and won’t change

KMT head Eric Chu said that the trip was aimed at talking with new officials dealing with Taiwan, and to try to resolve issues on agricultural and fishery products. Song recently took over as head of TAO, the Chinese government’s department for handling crossstrait affairs.

Beijing recently signaled it may resume shipments from more than 60 Taiwanese food companies that were among exporters it barred last year. The move would pull back on an unofficial punishment China has used to show displeasure with President Tsai Ing-wen for activities such as fostering ties with the US.

In a further sign China is changing tack on Taiwan, state media

Admiral Harry Harris, former head of US forces in the region, told the House Armed Services Committee on Tuesday that the US ignores the prospect of China invading Taiwan within years “at our peril.”

On Thursday Ely Ratner, assistant secretary of defense for Indo-Pacific security affairs, told a Senate hearing that while China’s leaders “have intention” to attack, “I think we can get to the end of this decade without them committing major aggression against Taiwan.”  He earlier listed a range of activities the US is conducting in the region to bolster military preparedness, including securing access to more Philippine military bases this week. AP

Rescuers push to find survivors of ‘disaster of the century’ as death toll

KAHRAMANMARAS, Turkey—Rescue workers made a final push Thursday to find survivors of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria that rendered many communities unrecognizable to their inhabitants and led the Turkish president to declare it “the disaster of the century.” The death toll topped 20,000.

The earthquake affected an area that is home to 13.5 million people in Turkey and an unknown number in Syria and stretches farther than the distance from London to Paris or Boston to Philadelphia. Even with an army of people taking part in the rescue effort, crews had to pick and choose where to help.

The scene from the air showed the scope of devastation, with entire neighborhoods of high-rises reduced to twisted metal, pulverized concrete and exposed wires.

In Adiyaman, Associated Press journalists saw someone plead with rescuers to look through the rubble of a building where relatives were trapped. They refused, saying no one was alive there and that they had to

prioritize areas with possible survivors.

A man who gave his name only as Ahmet out of fear of government retribution later asked the AP: “How can I go home and sleep? My brother is there. He may still be alive.”

The death toll from Monday’s 7.8 magnitude catastrophe rose to nearly 21,000, eclipsing the more than 18,400 who died in the 2011 earthquake off Fukushima, Japan, that triggered a tsunami and the estimated 18,000 people who died in a temblor near the Turkish capital, Istanbul, in 1999.

The new figure, which is certain to rise, included over 17,600 people in Turkey and more than 3,300 in civil war-torn Syria. Tens of thousands were also injured.

Even though experts say people could survive for a week or more, the chances of finding survivors in the freezing temperatures were dimming. As emergency crews and panicked relatives dug through the rubble—and occasionally found people alive—the focus began

to shift to demolishing dangerously unstable structures.

The DHA news agency broadcast the rescue of a 10-year-old in Antakya.

The agency said medics had to amputate an arm to free her and that her parents and three siblings had died. A 17-year-old girl emerged alive in Adıyaman, and a 20-year-old was found in Kahramanmaras by rescuers who shouted “God is great.”

In Nurdagi, a city of around 40,000 nestled between snowy mountains some 56 kilometers from the quake’s epicenter, vast swaths of the city were leveled, with scarcely a building unaffected. Even those that did not collapse were heavily damaged, making them unsafe.

Throngs of onlookers, mostly family members of people trapped inside, watched as heavy machines ripped at one building that had collapsed, its floors pancaked together with little more than a few inches in between.

Mehmet Yilmaz, 67, watched from a distance as bulldozers and other demolition equipment began to bring down what remained of the building where six of his family members had been trapped, including four children.

He estimated that about 80 people were still beneath the rubble and doubted that anyone would be found alive.

“There’s no hope. We can’t give up our hope in God, but they entered the building with listening devices and dogs, and there was nothing,” Yilmaz said. AP

At the close of a 16-hour summit that ended Friday when Zelenskyy was already gone, the EU leaders pledged they would do all it takes to back Ukraine, but offered no firm timetable for EU membership talks to begin as Zelenskyy had hoped.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the leaders agreed to support Ukraine “tirelessly, over the long term...to win the war.”

EU leaders pledged to look over the next month at boosting ammunition production for Ukraine’s war effort as it faces fresh challenges from Russia.

EU Council President Charles Michel said the bloc needs to “cooperate with the industrial sector and to ensure that we can speed up the level of production of ammunition and that they can also fulfill the commitments that are needed.”

EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said that a new 10-billion euro sanctions package under discussion would focus on depriving Russia of military goods it needs and cannot get anywhere else.

“The sanctions package “is targeted on goods that are almost irreplaceable from somewhere else,” she said.

While in Brussels, Zelenskyy asked Slovakia’s Prime Minister Eduard Heger to give Ukraine its Soviet-era MiG-29 fighter jets. Slovakia grounded its fleet of MiG-29s last year. “We will work on” the request, Heger replied.

Macron didn’t rule out sending French fighter jets to Ukraine, but said Zelenskyy didn’t ask for them and they were not Ukraine’s most urgent need.

“In no case could warplanes be delivered in the coming weeks,” Macron said, notably because of the necessary training. He said France may consider “intensifying’’ deliveries

of other equipment such as or missile systems. The commitments came after an emotional day at EU headquarters where Zelenskyy wrapped up a rare, two-day trip outside Ukraine to seek new weaponry from the West to repel the invasion that Moscow has been waging for nearly a year. As he spoke, a new offensive by Russia in eastern Ukraine was under way.

Zelenskyy, who also visited the UK and France, received rapturous applause and cheers from the European Parliament and a summit of the 27 EU leaders, insisting in his speech that the fight with Russia was one for the freedom of all of Europe.

“A Ukraine that is winning is going to be member of the European Union,” Zelenskyy said, building his appeal around the common destiny that Ukraine and the bloc face in confronting Russia.

“Europe will always be, and remain Europe as long as we...take care of the European way of life,” he said.

EU membership talks should start later this year, Zelenskyy said, an ambitious request given the huge task ahead. Such a move would help motivate Ukrainian soldiers in their defense of the country, he said.

“Of course we need it this year,” he said, then looked at European Council head Charles Michel, and insisted, tongue-in-cheek: “When I say this year, mean this year. Two, zero, 23.”

Von der Leyen, however, said “there is no rigid timeline.” In practice, membership often has taken decades to complete.

Zelenskyy held up an EU flag after his address and the lawmakers stood in somber silence as the Ukrainian national anthem and the European anthem “Ode to Joy” were played in succession.

Before Zelenskyy’s speech, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola said allies should consider “quickly, as a next step, providing long-range systems” and fighter jets to Ukraine. The

‘Overworked’ media worker who died at his desk sparks Thai probe

THAILAND has launched a probe into the death of a media worker who died at his desk from a heart attack, after allegedly working overtime for extended periods.

Labor minister Suchart Chomklin ordered an investigation this week into the death of the 44-year-old man on Feb. 4 after the case prompted outrage among staff and other media workers.

According to local media, the senior officer had been overseeing programming at Thai News Network (TNN), a media subsidiary of telecoms giant True Corp Pcl. There are reports he worked frequent overtime, only returning home about 2 to 3 a.m. in the morning, six days a week.

The Thai Journalists Association alleged in a statement Monday that the man had died after consecutive days of hard work.

“Currently, the media industry still has a work culture that is vul-

nerable to many cases of violations in labor laws,” Teeranai Charuvastra, the association’s vice president, said in the statement. “This is a problem that people working in the media industry have always known about. But it still happens all the time.”

TNN did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Bloomberg News. Local media cited a statement from TNN expressing condolences for the incident and committing to pay 24 months of the employee’s salary and relevant insurance payouts to his family. It also offered to pay for his funeral costs.

The labor ministry said that authorities were “urgently” looking into the facts of the case. If an employer fails to ensure an employee works less than 36 hours of overtime a week, and doesn’t provide at least one rest day a week, he or she will be liable for penalties including a fine of up to 100,000 baht ($3,000), six months of imprisonment, or both, it said. Bloomberg News

response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s war against Ukraine “must be proportional to the threat, and the threat is existential,” she said.

IN this photo provided by the European Parliament, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, left, and European Parliament President Roberta Metsola hold up a European Union flag during a plenary session at the European Parliament in Brussels, Thursday, February 9, 2023. Zelenskyy says that “a Ukraine that is winning” should become a European Union member. Zelenskky made his comments during an address on Thursday to the European Parliament on a rare trip outside Ukraine which has been trying to repel a full-scale invasion by Russia for nearly a year. AP

exceeds 20,000

SOLDIERS lower the Taiwanese flag during a ceremony at the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall in Taipei, Taiwan. on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022. China's military fired missiles into the sea on Thursday in live-fire military exercises around the island in response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit, even as Taipei played down the impact on flights and shipping. LAM YIK FEI/BLOOMBERG

The World

Adani crisis may derail Modi’s economic vision, analyst says

ANY serious damage to billionaire Gautam Adani’s empire could derail Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s economic plan as the conglomerate operates the largest chunk of infrastructure projects—including mines, ports and airports—in Asia’s third largest economy.

The business group has seen a meltdown following US short seller Hindenburg Research’s January 24 allegations of fraud and market manipulation that at one point wiped out more $100 billion of the group’s stock market value. The conglomerate has repeatedly denied all the charges, while Adani and his family have moved to prepay

some borrowings to calm investor nerves.

“If Adani collapses, he would sort of take down a large chunk of the prime minister’s economic vision with him,” Sadanand Dhume, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, told Bloomberg Television. “This is a person who has invested not

just in infrastructure, but also in green energy.”

Modi has continued to deflect opposition efforts to draw attention to the ties between him and Adani. Both men hail from the western state of Gujarat and the tycoon’s meteoric growth mirrors Modi’s own political journey to the top elected

office. The prime minister has avoided any direct reference to Adani’s troubles and the opposition allegations.

“I don’t think there is any businessman in India today who is as closely identified with the prime minister as Gautam Adani,” Dhume said, adding “their close links go back more than 20 years.” Bloomberg News

GUIDO VAN DER VALK

rode a near-impeccable frontside charge to cushion the impact of a faltering finish but still won by five strokes over Lloyd Go with a 73 to retain The Country Club (TCC) Invitational crown on Friday in Santa Rosa, Laguna.

Not even a backside 40 that could easily ruin one’s title drive in big-time championships could stymie Van der Valk’s claim to a second straight championship in the Philippine Golf Tour’s (PGT) centerpiece event as he built too much of a buffer—eight shots over Go—with a frontside tournament-best 33 spiked by four birdies against a bogey.

L ike the Dutchman, the rest failed to tame TCC’s exacting backside as difficult pin placements made the stretch run chase more daunting and challenging.

That paved the way for Van der Valk’s easy win as he assembled a six-over 294 total, including a first round 73 and a couple of 74s, and pocketed the record P2 million purse in four days of hard work and tests after emerging the best in what had been billed as the Don Pocholo Razon Memorial Cup for the second straight time.

It’s an honor to win this tournament twice. It’s very special to win back-to-back and I’m super happy that I managed to do it,” said Van der Valk, who became only the second player to score a repeat in 16 editions of the annual championship.”

There were no TCC Invitationals in 2015-16 and 2021-22.

I played really good after 9 holes but I struggled a little bit at the back but I had enough of a buffer to still be comfortable,” added Van der Valk. “I’m thrilled to have done this again and I look forward to defending my title next year.”

A ngelo Que won in 2007, five years after the event was launched by International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) chairman and

mirror_sports@yahoo.com.ph

Editor: Jun Lomibao

DUTCH DOES IT AGAIN AT TCC

of nerves and wits that stretched up the final hole to edge Clyde Mondilla by one three years ago. He also set the pace with three others with 73s Tuesday. But while Jerson Balasabas, Clyde Mondilla and Jay Bayron faded one after the other, Van der Valk stayed steady and took solo control with a 74 halfway through then kept a two-shot lead—after blowing a five-stroke bulge in the stretch—with another twoover card in moving day. But though the Dutchman’s five-shot triumph was imposing, it still paled in comparison with Artemio Murakami’s record 13-stroke win over Que in 2009. But his latest exploit further underlined the brilliance in the man, who worked on his game in the run-up to the championship after winning two legs when the PGT resumed with a seven-leg offering last year.

Marcial takes on veteran foe from Argentina in 8-rounder

By Josef Ramos

OLYMPIC bronze medalist

Eumir Felix Marcial climbs the ring Sunday for his fourth professional fight against veteran opponent from Argentina and this time in an eight-round middleweight bout.

Confronting the 27-year-old Marcial, who wants to extend his pro record to 4-0 won-lost, is Ricardo Ruben Villalba, who at 33 is a veteran of 28 pro fights with a 20-7-1 win-lossdraw record with eight knockouts.

Their fight is one of the undercards of the Rey Vargas-O’ Shaquie Foster main event for the vacant World Boxing Council super featherweight belt at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.

CEO Ricky Razon to honor his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo. The three-time Asian Tour winner then reigned in 2010 and 2011.

Unlike Que, who had to rally to beat fellow three-time TCC winner Juvic Pagunsan in 2010, Van der Valk spiked his TCC “double” in wire-towire fashions, leading from the start and enduring an enthralling battle

Senator Pia all praises for Didal

SENATOR Pilar Cayetano on Wednesday lauded world-class skateboarder Margielyn Didal, saying she “represents the country with pride wherever she goes.”

Madame President, I just want to include in our acknowledgement the fact that Margie [Didal] decided at a very young age to take on a sport that was very new,” said Cayetano, reminding that “she [Didal] did not even have an official coach at the time that she took up skateboarding at.”

At 12, against the wishes of her parents, [as] she was spending a lot of time on her skateboard, performing stunts. It took a while,” Cayetano said. “It was very difficult for her to continue her passion because like many athletes, even their own families worry for their future, worry for their safety when they embark on this, especially with skateboarding, which is very new, and can be very dangerous.”

C ayetano told the plenary that Didal is still recovering from an injury.

Is it correct that you now have a titanium piece in your left ankle? Is that [forever in your body]?”

She added: “I am saying that these are the risks that accompany the sport that she has chosen and she has

represented the country many times, and I want to say, represented the country very well.”

D idal won gold in skateboarding at the 18th Asian Games in Palembang, Indonesia, and went on to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics that was staged in 2021. That Asian Games gold was one of four titles Filipino athletes won in Indonesia.

C ayetano praised Didal for having a large following in social medial “ This young girl has a following internationally. Her live posts at Instagram immediately gets hundreds of comments from all over the world,” she said. “And she represents us well with pride wherever she goes, not just with her sport, but with her demeanor, carrying the qualities of a Filipino whose great at his/her task but humble, always smiling. “

Even when she did not make it to the podium in the Olympics, she was cheering for her rivals,” Cayetano said. “And so, we are very proud to have Margielyn Didal with us. She is an honor to all Filipinos. She brings us honor, and her spirit as a young athlete shines in everything that she does. She is a Cebuana.”

Cray out with strained groin in Astana

ERIC SHAUWN CRAY’S 11th-hour decision to run the 400 meters at the Asian Indoor Athletics Championships in Astana on Friday proved costly as the Filipino-American strained his groin and won’t be able to run in the 60 meters.

C ray didn’t finish the 400 meters that was ran on Day 1 of the championships at the Qazaqstan Stadium in the Kazahkstan capital.

The seven-time Southeast Asian Games gold medalist was supposed to run the 60 meters only.

It’s really an unfortunate incident,” said Philippine Athletics Track and Field Association Secretary-General Edward Kho. “He’ll

I did really good work hard the week before, so I practiced really hard. My ball-striking wasn’t that great before but it kind of sorted out for me, I knew what I was doing wrong and I managed to slowly get better during the tournament,” he said.

G o, who grabbed a spot in the championship flight with a third round-best 71, snatched runner-up honors, worth a whopping P1 million, with a 299 after a 74 as Gialon fell apart with a wave of bogeys in heat and wind for a six-over card in the early stretch and the rest failed

to wage a charge that could merit a second look or revive their slimmest of hopes.

A s Gialon blew it all with a frontside 42, Go assumed the challenger’s role with a 37 at the front but could get no closer than that it was at the finish as he likewise wavered at TCC’s demanding finishing holes, bogeying Nos. 16 and 18 after a birdie on the 13th.

T hat paved the way for Van der Valk’s runaway triumph, hoping to sustain his brand of play that has marked his steady rise to the top of the PGT ranking when the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.-organized circuit goes full blast starting next month.

M icah Shin, winner here in 2018, carded a 74 and tied 2004 champion Tony Lascuna, who turned in a 75, at third at 301 and split the combined P948,000 purse.

C lyde Mondilla, who lost to Van der Valk by one in a thrilling 2020 final, skied to a 77 and wound up fifth at 303 worth P288,000.

A rt Arbole shot a 75 for joint sixth at 304 with Michael Bibat, who holed out with a double-bogey for a 78, while former amateur standout Mars Pucay also put in a 75 to tie 2013 winner Frankie Miñoza and erstwhile contender Jay Bayron, who both carded 77s, at eighth with 305s.

Gialon, runaway winner in Caliraya Springs last year, skied to an 84 and tumbled to 14th at 307.

GOING ELSEWHERE

First it was Kyrie Irving to Dallas. Now it’s Kevin Durant to Phoenix. Trade deadline day in the National Basketball Association is on Friday with news of a blockbuster as the Nets agreed overnight to deal Durant to the Suns for a package that included Mikal Bridges, Cam Johnson, Jae Crowder—who later tweeted he was headed to Milwaukee—four first-round picks and additional draft compensation. A day earlier, the Lakers agreed to send Russell Westbrook to Utah as part of a three-way deal with Utah and Minnesota that brought D’Angelo Russell back to Los Angeles. AP

M arcial, who has trained vigorously under Jorge Capetillo, told BusinessMirror on Friday that he is ready to face the veteran Argentinian slugger.

I’m in good condition and ready for the fight. I’m excited to fight for my country again,” Marcial said. “I’ve been working since October, doing everything to condition myself and learn boxing.”

Marcial won his four-rounder pro against Andrew Whitfield in 2020, survived three knockdowns in beating another American, Isiah Hart, in April 2022 and Steve Pichardo via unanimous in October last year.

The renowned Mexican trainer Capetillo said Villalba will provide Marcial an opportunity to learn more about the ropes of professional boxing that could transform him into a tactical fighter and not only a solid puncher. We want somebody who can test him, and we really know that Eumir is a heavy hitter but I really want him to be a boxer, not just a puncher” Capetillo said. “I want him to be a boxer who can use the distance and have great timing, who can counter and not only attack.” O utside of the two boxers’ records, they are practically matched in physique with both standing at 5-foot-9, durable and love to brawl.

Elorde Awards in honor of ‘Flash’ back after 3-year pandemic hiatus

THE Gabriel “Flash” Elorde Boxing Awards Banquet of Champions returns for its 23rd edition on March 25 at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom in Parañaque City.

The awards—which coincides with the birthday of the boxing legend who was world super featherweight champion for a record seven years—were held annually but was stymied in for three years beginning 2020 because of the pandemic.

Johnny Elorde, one of the boxing great Elorde’s seven children, said eight-division world champion, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, and four-weight division world champion Nonito Donaire Jr. would each receive Special Award of Distinction.

Their awards come despite the two boxing greats’ elevation to the Elorde Hall of Fame as both won the Boxer of the Year award for seven consecutive years.

“After three years, we are finally back to recognize the accomplishments of upcoming Filipino boxing stars and current world champions,” said Elorde, whose wife Liza was the event’s head organizer annually.

Seven will be named Boxers of the Year led by former International Boxing Federation (IBF) super flyweight champion Jerwin Ancajas (2019, 2020 and 2021), World Boxing

Organization (WBO) bantamweight king Johnriel Casimero (2019, 2020 and 2021), IBF minimum weight titleholder Pedro Taduran (2019 and 2020) and minimum weight titlist Rene Mark Cuarto (2021 and 2022).

Joining them are 2022 World Boxing Council featherweight champion Mark Magsayo, reigning International Boxing Organization flyweight champion Dave Apolinario and 2019 and 2021 WBO and World Boxing Association minimum weight champion Vic Saludar.

Tokyo Olympics silver medalists Carlo Paalam and Nesthy Petecio and bronze medalist Eumir Felix Marcial and the boxing medalists in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games will also be honored, according to Elore.

The other awards are Fight of the Year, Most Promising Boxer, Best Manager, Best Trainer, Best Referee, Special Awards to benefactors and boxing’s most influential people and best amateur fighters and the 23 Philippine champions and 62 world, international or regional champions.

The Elorde matriarch, “Flash’s” wife Laura, will also be honored posthumously. She passed away in May 2020 at the Elorde residence in Parañaque City.

The traditional domestic pro championship bouts will be held starting 3 p.m.

Veteran Japanese swimming official to oversee qualifier for PHL reps to Cambodia SEA Games

now have to focus on Cambodia [32nd Southeast Asian Games in May].”

The 60 meters is ballistic and he could aggravate his injury,” Kho said.

“The doctors advised him to rest for at least two days.”

K ho said Janry Ubas wound up 10th in men’s jump, while heptathlete Sarah Dequinan, triple jumper Harry Diones, high jumper Leonard Gorospe and Filipino-Spanish hurdler John Cabang Tolentino were still competing as of late Friday.     World No. 3 pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena skipped Astana because of logistical issues with his poles as no airline could accommodate the equipment to and from Kazakhstan.

AVETERAN aquatics technical official from Japan will oversee the conduct of the four-day trials for the selection of members on the national team to the Cambodia 32nd Southeast Asian Games.

T he members of the Stabilization Committee that is tasked to handle aquatics in the country said Kazumi Eguchi will supervise the trials set from February 16 to 19 at the New Clark City Aquatics Center in Capas, Tarlac.

Eguchi’s resume includes her officiating responsibilities at the London 2012 Olympics, Rome 2009 and Barcelona 2013 world championships, Jakarta 2018 Asian Games and numerous Asian and Asian age group championships.

S he also played a key role in the Tokyo Organizing Committee of

the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2021. E guchi’s appointment was facilitated by the Asian Swimming Federation, according to Valeriano “Bones” Floro, Stabilization Committee member and also the deputy secretary general for international affairs of the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC). The Stabilization Committee—also composed of POC legal head Atty. Wharton Chan and Bases Conversion and Development Authority Senior Vice President for Corporate Services Group Arrey Perez, who stands as technical director of the qualifiers—has programmed 34 events in swimming on top of the men and women water polo teams and athletes for the individual 3-meter springboard and platform for men and women in diving.

Registration and inquiries could be made through official e-mail address aquatics.stab.comm@gmail.com. The technical handbook for the trials could be requested through e-mail.

D eadline for registration is on February 14.

The swimming events for men and women are the 50, 100, 200, 200, 800 and 1,500 meters for freestyle; 50, 100 and 200 meters butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke; and 200 and 400 individual medley.

M embers of the relay teams will be selected from the list of qualified athetes.

Q ualified athletes will undergo a four-week training program under the direct supervision of the Stabilization Committee. T he Cambodia SEA Games are set from May 5 to 17.

AJINOMOTO Co. Inc. signed an agreement recently in Tokyo to serve as official sponsor of the 32nd Southeast Asian Games and 12th ASEAN Para Games that Cambodia is hosting in May and June.

Ajinomoto Co. will carry out support activities as a Premium Partner of the Cambodia 2023.

A jinomoto started supporting the biennial SEA Games in the 29th edition of the SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur and has since then been a principal partner of the 11-nation event.

Since 2003, Ajinomoto Co. has been working on the Victory Project to support the conditioning of top-level athletes in Japan and conducting nutritional support activities utilizing the power of amino acids, including providing Ajinomoto Group products such as aminoVital and promoting the Winning Meals Kachimeshi,

The Victory Project was rolled out in 2018 in six Ajinomoto Group Companies in the ASEAN, one of which is Ajinomoto Philippines Corp. (APC) Group.

A PC Group imparted Winning Meals Kachimeshi support to the Philippines’s top karate athlete, Filipino-Japanese Junna Tsukii, a gold medalist in women’s 50 kgs of kumite in the 2019 SEA Games and 2022 World Games.

“Ajinomoto aims to realize greater wellness for people around the world,”

APC President Koichi Ozaki said.

“This includes providing nutrition and nutrition education support to our national athletes to support them in realizing their full potential.”

SENATOR Pia Cayetano with skateboarding ace Margielyn Didal.

GUIDO VAN DER VALK repeats as The Country Club Invitational champ. ROY DOMINGO

Ajinomoto again premium partner of Cambodia Games

EUMIR FELIX MARCIAL (right) makes his fourth pro appearance against Ricardo Ruben Villalba, who packs 28 professional fights.